Lee Valley Athletics Centre in Edmonton, north London has completed refurbishment works on their indoor track following a £480,000 investment from Lee Valley Regional Park Authority.
A new lightning fast Mondotrack® synthetic track system has been installed on the venue’s indoor six lane 200m oval track, the upstairs130m straight as well as the Centre’s throws, pole vault and long and triple jump areas. Designed to host the highest level of competition, Mondotrack® is the most technologically advanced track surface in the world, meaning that athletes in the area will benefit from elite level facilities.
The eight week long project was finished in September after a survey by sports surface consultants highlighted that some areas of the track were heavily worn and upgrade requirements would be needed in order for the venue to continue to meet international standards required to host competitions and remain one of the best athletics centres in the UK.
The £480,000 investment for the new track surface came from Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, who own Lee Valley Athletics Centre alongside other prestigious sports venues including London 2012 sites Lee Valley VeloPark and Lee Valley White Water Centre. Ten years on from the London Olympic Games, these venues continue to remain an important part of the legacy thanks to continual investment from the Authority to ensure their facilities are maintained to the highest levels possible for communities.
Chief Executive at Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, Shaun Dawson commented: “Like many of our venues, Lee Valley Athletics Centre was designed with both Olympic standard and community use in mind. We are committed to ensuring that the centre remains a hub for sport and activities for athletes of all levels – from future Olympians to schools and community groups. The new track upgrade means that, not only will professional athletes have the very best facilities to train on in preparation for competitions, but everyone in the area will also have the chance to try athletics in a world class training venue.”
Lee Valley Athletics Centre is the largest indoor and outdoor athletics centre in the south of England. It first opened to the public back in 2007 and has attracts a wide following from elite athletes and gym users to local clubs and schools.
The venue has also played a pivotal role in growing new talent and helping to nurture the next generation of Olympic athletes. It has been the training base for Olympic medallists such as sprinter Jonnie Peacock, track and field athlete Greg Rutherford and two time British Olympian, Natasha Danvers. In addition, the venue often welcomes other top athletes such as Dina Asher-Smith and Asher Phillips for training sessions.
Lee Valley Athletics Centre General Manager, Gavin Pearce said: “It is incredible to see the new track being used by both elite athletes and community clubs. Lee Valley Athletics Centre has always catered for all abilities and the new indoor track surface will ensure the whole community can continue to run, jump and throw at a world class venue.”
To find out more about upcoming athletics competitions, great value gym memberships and children’s activities head to better.org.uk/lee-valley