£500,000 Athletics Track Upgrade Approved for Crewe's Cumberland Arena
Funding will allow the area's only athletics track to be refurbished after years of deterioration prevented competitive events from being held.
By Nantwich News
Crewe & Nantwich Athletics Club has welcomed confirmation of a £500,000 investment to refurbish the athletics track at Cumberland Arena, paving the way for the return of competitive athletics to the venue.
The funding will be used to replace and upgrade the ageing running track, which has deteriorated over a number of years and is no longer suitable for hosting licensed athletics competitions.
Located in Crewe, Cumberland Arena is the only dedicated athletics facility serving the surrounding area and has long been used by local clubs, schools and community groups for training and competition. Athletes have continued to use the venue despite its declining condition, but the worn surface has limited opportunities to stage official events.
The investment forms part of a wider programme to modernise the Everybody Health and Leisure-operated complex. Alongside the track refurbishment, the site is being enhanced with a new 3G artificial sports pitch, three multi-purpose activity studios, a covered spectator stand, additional parking spaces and secure cycle storage.
The wider redevelopment is expected to be completed this autumn, while work on the athletics track is scheduled to begin during spring 2027.
The £500,000 funding has been secured through the Government's Local Regeneration Fund after money was reallocated from the Valley Brook Corridor project within the Crewe Towns Fund programme.
Members of Crewe & Nantwich Athletics Club have welcomed the decision, saying the refurbishment will safeguard the future of athletics in South Cheshire and provide improved facilities for runners, jumpers and throwers of all ages.
Once completed, the upgraded track is expected to allow the arena to host competitive athletics meetings once again, while also supporting school events, community sports programmes and athlete development across the region.
The project represents one of the most significant investments in athletics facilities in Cheshire for many years and is expected to secure the long-term future of the area's only dedicated athletics track.