Eight-lane track at Footes Lane under starter’s orders
FINANCIAL backing has been given for major work at Footes Lane ahead of the 2021 NatWest Island Games.
Policy & Resources has now approved Education, Sport & Culture plans for a full 400m eight-lane athletics track.
The track will be fully refurbished as well as extended and improvements made to the Garenne Stand and surrounding area.
Work will start this summer and continue into 2020.
The track currently has eight lanes on the home straight but only six on the bends and back straight.
‘This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve one of the premier sporting venues owned by the people of Guernsey,’ said ESC president Matt Fallaize. ‘It is an ambitious project which can be delivered at reasonable cost.
‘I am delighted that we can now proceed with the essential refurbishment of the track and enhance the facility considerably by creating a full 400m eight-lane track along with improvements to the Garenne Stand. We should be proud of providing our sportsmen and women with great and improving facilities.’
The track was re-coated in 2001 and 2013 but has otherwise been largely untouched since being laid in 1991.
Committee member Deputy Peter Roffey added: ‘There are times when we have to ‘‘speculate to accumulate’’ and I believe this is one of those times.
‘I will always support what I believe is best for the island, and there is no better time than the present to ensure our athletes are given the best opportunity possible to participate, and potentially excel. Extending the track to eight lanes not only increases the training opportunities for athletes, but also provides increased prospects for attracting visiting high-level athletes to compete in the island.
‘I am particularly delighted for the growing number of youngsters taking up athletics. The new, improved facility will be a great benefit to them and to future generations.’
Although the new track surface will be installed and ready for the 2021 NatWest Island Games, the work is primarily a response to this well-used sports facility nearing its ‘end of life’.
Guernsey Athletics development officer Tom Druce said: ‘Over the past 12-24 months, the athletes have definitely noticed the track showing various signs of wear due to its age.
‘The whole site is a fantastic facility and replacing and upgrading the track will make it a truly inspirational venue for the island’s athletes.
‘The venue hosted U20 international teams last year and the upgrades will make even bigger international competition viable in the future. Guernsey Athletics are pleased to be involved in this major project with ESC which will ultimately offer tangible benefits for athletes of all ages.’
In addition to the track replacement works, there will also be improvements to the drainage from the infield grass pitch, which will include the installation of an artificial grass margin.
The improvements to the Garenne Stand will include work on the roof and the installation of an accessible viewing platform within the main stand.
The main toilet block on level one will also be refurbished to improve accessibility options.
No price for the project has been confirmed because it is still out to tender and the States does not want to prejudice that process.
