Nottingham City Council has approved a £2.082 million investment in Harvey Hadden Stadium, securing the long-term future of the city’s only full athletics stadium.
The funding was approved by the council’s Executive Board on Tuesday 20 October and paves the way for major improvements to its facilities and infrastructure.
The investment will fund a comprehensive programme of refurbishment works including the replacement of the outdoor and indoor athletics tracks, repairs to the grandstand, drainage improvements, upgraded lighting, new CCTV, electrical works and the renewal of athletics equipment.
The works will address significant deterioration identified through recent surveys and help ensure the facility continues to meet safety and operational requirements.
Harvey Hadden Stadium is a vital sporting asset for Nottingham, supporting school sport, grassroots participation, club training, athlete development and athletics competitions.
The facility welcomed almost 13,800 participants during 2025 and is regularly used by schools, universities, community groups and Notts Athletic Club.
As part of the approved scheme, spectator seating will be rationalised to 499 seats or fewer, reducing future compliance and maintenance costs while retaining the stadium’s core athletics function.
Councillor Sam Lux, Executive Member for Environment and Sustainability at Nottingham City Council, said: “Harvey Hadden’s athletic stadium is an essential part of Nottingham’s sporting heritage. It has enhanced the lives of so many local people and produced world-class athletes.
“Now the city council is in a strong financial position we are elated to be able to invest in this facility to help it reach its enormous potential.
“I would like to thank Notts Athletics Club for their patience through trying times and are looking forward to working with them as these rejuvenation plans advance. This spend underlines our commitment to supporting health and leisure opportunities in Nottingham, and particularly those of younger people.”
Mick Robinson, Chairman of Notts Athletic Club, said: “This is fantastic news, and everyone at the club; athletes, coaches, officials and administrators are over the moon.
“It will support our plans for the future, allowing us to put on many more events and let us put the track back on the map. The timing is great as it is our centenary in 2028. We can now plan the celebrations for this properly.
“We thank Nottingham City Council for their belief in the future of athletics in the city, especially the officers in the Green Space and Natural Environment team. We look forward to working closely with them on the design of the work and ensuring the people of Nottingham can take advantage of the track.”
Originally opened in 1960/61 using funds bequeathed by Harvey Hadden, the stadium is held under charitable trust arrangements for public sport and recreation. The council has a responsibility to maintain the site for the benefit of residents and visitors.
With approval now secured, the council will move ahead with the next phase of the programme, including detailed design work, procurement and delivery.
The investment represents a significant commitment to the future of athletics in Nottingham, helping to ensure the stadium remains a high-quality facility for local athletes, schools, clubs and communities.
As well as improving the user experience, the refurbishment will enhance security, support healthier and more active lifestyles, and protect an important part of the city’s sporting heritage for generations to come.
