WORKMEN are moving in this week to start the construction of the £2.3m community athletics complex at Witton Park, Blackburn.

There will be a ‘ground breaking’ ceremony to start the transformation of the 30-year-old track into a state-of-the-art home for Blackburn Harriers and Athletics Club and a community facility.

Work will begin just weeks before the anniversary of London 2012, where Harriers athletes enjoyed success with Samantha Murray from Clitheroe securing a silver medal for modern pentathlon, Burnley’s Sophie Hitchon breaking the British record to qualify for the hammer final, and Chorley’s Holly Bleasdale coming sixth in the pole vault.

The new stadium will include:

  • an indoor 60m sprint track
  • dance studio
  • the first total resurfacing of the outdoor running track since 1984
  • improved drainage for the field events area including relocating the pole vault
  • covered spectator seating
  • improved changing facilities
  • warm up/education room/social space and club room
  • a 45-station fitness suite with free weight area.

Miss Hitchon, the new European Under-23 Champion ship gold medallist, said: “I am very pleased construction work is starting.

“It will be a great asset to the county and great for the athletes who train in the area.”

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has appointed a design team from Capita Symonds and Preston-based construction company, Eric Wright, to deliver the project which is due to be completed next spring.

The existing running track will remain open to the Harriers, schools and members of the community throughout construction.

Council leisure boss Damian Talbot said: “This facility will transform athletics in the borough and will be for the benefit of everyone.

“We hope it will encourage more young people to take up the sport and help make our current talented athletes even better.

“We have worked with Blackburn Harriers to create a first-class venue which will hopefully create the next Olympians.”

Blackburn Harriers secretary George Davies said: “I am delighted. We have been working for 20 years towards this.

“It’s a great way to build on the club’s Olympic success and train the next generation of top level athletes.”