Work is set to begin on a £650,000 refurbishment of the running track at Queens Park Stadium as part of investment through the Highland Investment Plan.
Olympic athlete Megan Keith joined representatives from The Highland Council and High Life Highland to witness the symbolic handover of the track to contractors Allsports Construction and Maintenance ahead of work beginning later this month.
The project will see the existing athletics track resurfaced to ensure the facility remains safe, modern and compliant with competition standards while continuing to support schools, clubs and community sport across the Highlands.
Works will also include replacement of the synthetic track surface, refreshed line markings, drainage improvements, refurbishment of the steeplechase pit and upgrades to field event infrastructure.
Accessibility improvements are also planned including enhanced access routes to throwing and shot put facilities.
Ken Gowans said:
“This project at Queens Park Stadium running track is the first dedicated leisure project funded through the Highland Investment Plan.
“It clearly demonstrates how the HIP will benefit communities and, in this case, the wider sporting community, clubs, schools and users of Queens Park Stadium.
“I look forward to many more communities benefitting from future HIP investments over the coming years.”
James Martin said:
“Queens Park Stadium is a key part of Inverness Leisure Campus and plays a major role in Highland track and field participation.
“The existing track has supported many athletes over the years and thanks the investment of The Highland Council, we hope the refurbished Queen Park will support the next generations of athletics activity, alongside the growth and development of school, club and community sport programmes.”
Keith described the track as central to athletics across Inverness and the Highlands.
She said:
“I am very excited about the running track refurbishment, as it is the only athletics facility in the area, and therefore the heart and soul of the athletics community in Inverness and the Highlands.
“From competing in some of my first races on it as a young junior, to completing sessions in preparation for the Olympic Games last summer with my training group, the Queens Park track has been a constant, and crucial, feature in my athletics journey, so I am excited both to train on the new facility upon completion as I continue my career, and to hopefully watch my club, Inverness Harriers, flourish as a result of the work.”
The refurbishment forms part of the Council’s wider £2.1 billion Highland Investment Plan.
Work is expected to begin towards the end of May with completion anticipated later this summer.
