Starting gun fired on Aldershot running track refurbishment

Work to refurbish the athletics track at Aldershot Military Stadium is due to begin this August, with completion expected by October.

Funded by Aspire Defence Limited (ADL) under the Project Allenby/Connaught (PAC) contract and carried out by Aspire Defence Services, the project will involve replacing the track surface to ensure it retains the Trackmark Accreditation – meeting strict World Athletics and British safety standards for surface thickness, shock absorption, and slip resistance.

This is the latest in a series of improvements at the Queen’s Avenue facility, with previous upgrades including new hammer cage netting, enhanced track lining, and upgraded floodlights.

The track was last fully refurbished in 2011.

The stadium is a professional training site for Army athletes as well as the local community, and it has been a training ground for Olympic athletes such as Dame Kelly Holmes and Kriss Akabusi.

ADL Chief Executive Allan Thomson said:

“With a third of the Army living on the Aspire estate and the key role Aldershot plays in delivering Army Sport, we are proud supporters of Army sport. As such we understand the vital role that physical activity plays in the wellbeing of our soldiers, both physically and mentally.

“This investment reflects our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality facilities that enable service personnel to train, compete, and thrive. I look forward to seeing the newly refurbished track in action later this year.”

The Army Athletics Team said:

“Aldershot has proudly served as the home of Army Athletics since January 1929. This latest investment in the running track and upgraded facilities secures its legacy for generations to come.

“Renowned as a breeding ground for Olympic-calibre athletes, the track has played a vital role in shaping Army high performance athletes as well as providing a fantastic track for those up and coming grass roots athletes.

“Its continued enhancement will provide future Army athletes with the high-level sporting environment they need to follow in those footsteps—and forge new ones.”

The work is part of the 35-year PAC Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract to maintain the defence estate at garrisons across Salisbury Plain Training Area and at Aldershot, on behalf of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation.