Darlington athletics ground could get £1.6 million renovation
A SPORTS complex’s athletics track is to be refurbished under council plans – otherwise the track could close in the next few years
It's hoped the planned refurbishment of a Darlington sports ground could save it from closing down
1.6 million pounds is expected to be invested into the Eastbourne Sports Complex - which could see improved track, another artificial grass pitch and better parking.
A report says the improvements are needed “to ensure that the council continues to provide an appropriate competition standard athletics facility in the town”.
The complex, which opened in 1999 and has about 170,000 visits a year, is Darlington Borough Council’s main outdoor sporting hub.
It is the home of the Darlington School Games and helps run numerous events, festivals and activities for Darlington’s 28 primary and seven secondary schools.
The eight-lane floodlit athletics track is used by running, athletics, cycling and triathlon clubs and school festivals, with 30,000 visits in a year.
A report to the council says the track is now in need of replacement “to secure excellent facilities for existing and new clubs to be based in Darlington and avoid having to close the facility in the near future”.
It states: “The athletics track is now at the end of its life cycle and has had various repairs carried out over recent years.
“But it is becoming uneconomical to continue with temporary repairs and without refurbishment it will have to close on safety grounds in the next few years.”
The complex contains a FIFA-standard artificial grass pitch, refurbished in 2017 and hosting 40 adult and junior community teams from clubs like Middleton Rangers, Darlington Town and Darlington Youth, as well as nine grass pitches, all attracting 98,000 visits in a year.
The Football Foundation have offered up to £700,000 towards another artificial grass pitch (AGP) at Eastbourne, the report states.
The report recommends approval of the full scheme – the athletics track refurb, the new artificial grass pitch and parking and traffic improvements – with £1.6m of council funding.
It goes on to say doing nothing would mean losing the track funding opportunity and “see a continued decline and financial pressure on the athletics track, with closure of this facility in the next few years with the loss of athletics clubs to the area”.
It is recommended the council secures the funding for the pitch and manage parking and access better to address issues for residents.
The report will be considered at the council cabinet meeting next Tuesday, and elements of scheme will be subject to consultation and planning permission.