A brand-new eight-lane running track has officially opened at Wishaw Sports Centre, marking a major boost for athletics and active lifestyles in the town.
The track has undergone a complete resurfacing with a high-performance Conipur technical sports surface, providing athletes with a modern facility designed to support training, competition and community events.
It will provide a dedicated training hub for both Motherwell Athletics Club and Law and District Athletic Club and, while also supporting council athletics sports camps, local school events and other community activities.
Ewen Cameron, Head of Development with Motherwell Athletics Club said: “It’s great to be back at home in Wishaw – the new track is fantastic and has been completely transformed.
“We were established in 1992, and our members range from aged from nine to those in their eighties.
“We have big dreams and big ideas. We want to host top events here and encourage more athletes to train here – our aim is to double the number of participants from across North Lanarkshire.”
Athlete Niamh Cameron added: “The new track will encourage more young people to find this wonderful sport of athletics through initiatives such as Future Fridays in our schools and programmes similar to that.”
The investment means that Wishaw can attract higher-level competition to the area. It has also delivered significant improvements to the specialist throwing and high jump areas, helping to enhance the facility for athletes across a range of disciplines.
Councillor Jim Logue, Leader of North Lanarkshire Council, said: “We are striving to create modern, accessible spaces where residents can connect, stay active and thrive.
“The opening of the new eight-lane track represents a significant investment in local sport and provides athletes, schools and community groups with a modern facility to train, compete and take part in athletics for years to come.”
Councillor Geraldine Woods, Convener of Communities added: “The overall £10million investment demonstrates our long-term commitment to delivering high-quality facilities that meet the needs of local people while strengthening community pride and supporting regeneration across North Lanarkshire.”
The £500,000 upgrade to the athletics facilities forms part of a wider £10 million investment in communities across North Lanarkshire, aimed at improving leisure, cultural and community facilities and creating modern spaces for residents to enjoy.
Sports facilities throughout the area will benefit from the resurfacing or upgrading of eight pitches and four pavilions, with improvements planned at schools and community facilities in Cumbernauld, Coatbridge, Motherwell, Wishaw, Shotts and Airdrie.
Pavilions at Cleland, Harthill, West End in Bellshill and Gartferry/Moodiesburn are also included in the programme.
The wider multi-million-pound investment will extend beyond sport, with funding also being directed towards town centres, parks and open spaces.