Hackney to get compact athletic facility

Sports fanatics in the London borough of Hackney will be delighted to hear that the district will soon be getting its first compact athletic facility, with the initial construction work already underway as of earlier this week.

Enthusiasts will no doubt be anxious to make use of the 50 metre eight-lane synthetic running track, long-jump and triple-jump sand pits with three-lane run-up and a three-bay throw area.

Other sports facilities to be made available include a high jump fan and bed, jump trail and a marked running circuit across the surrounding area.

The new gym will be situated in the outdoor of Stoke Newington School and Sixth Form, with plans to integrate certain sections of the grounds into the compact athletic facility.

Residents of Hackney will be encouraged to make use of the exercise area through the Hackney Hurricanes, an inclusive sports club that hopes to use the facility to build upon its award-winning disability programme, as well as expanding to incorporate able-bodied athletes of all ages.

Councillor Rita Krishna, Hackney Council's cabinet member for education and children’s services, said that the construction of the new facility had been approved in order to ensure a lasting legacy from the 2012 Olympic Games.

"We remain committed to increasing the number of people of all ages and abilities who regularly take part in sport and other activities, and once this facility opens, it will give more people an opportunity to give athletics a try," she said.

Charles Johnston, director for Sport England, added that the investment will mean a lot for the community's school children and athletics enthusiasts.

"We’re committed to getting many more of these facilities opened up and benefiting local communities all across the country," he said.

The compact athletic facility is the first of its kind to be built in Hackney, with its construction made possible thanks to a partnership between Hackney Council, Stoke Newington School, Sport England, London Marathon Charitable Trust and England Athletics.

Published 5th April, 2013

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