Charlton Athletics Track

Athletics Track Refurbishment

The athletics track and field event facilities at Charlton Leisure Centre were constructed in the mid 1980’s. The original synthetic surface was a porous system, consisting of a black rubber base mat surfaced with a red polyurethane textured spray coat. The track was re-furbished in 2013, however following a series of condition reports, the results showed that the track and field event areas required a full resurfacing programme to bring the site up to a UK Athletics level 1 certification with track mark Unit 1 (track) and 2 (field).

The main areas of wear were on the main and back straight with some locations where the track had split open. There were 14 locations on the main track circuit and 10 locations on the high jump fan and runways which were in excess of the +/- 6mm tolerance required by the IAAF Surface Performance Specification. There were also some differences of up to 4mm in thickness found at these areas.

Our project firstly involved the removal of the existing polymeric surface in all track and field areas. This was then removed off site for specialist recycling. All existing concrete kerbs which were in need of repair were then removed and the existing macadam base was thoroughly cleaned. A straight edge survey was then carried out to identify any areas of the base which did not meet the required tolerances. These areas were marked out and localised repairs carried out to ensure a tolerance of +/- 6mm beneath a 4m straight edge were achieved. 

Once the macadam layer was repaired and prepared, we then began the installation of a structure-coated, porous system. This firstly involved the installation of a new rubber base mat, followed by a blue structure spray coating. The track was then line marked in compliance with the requirements of the World Athletics Manual and UK Track Mark Unit 6.

Along with the track work, we also refurbished the long & triple jump areas and the shot putt area. This involved breaking out damaged areas of slabbing and installing new. We also fitted new wooden jump boards at the long jump take offs, new IAAF approved steel toe boards at the shot put area and topped up both pits. 

‘CLS were the preferred bidder for a large scale track upgrade project in 2021 for Test Valley Borough Council. The contractors communication was faultless, and we were always kept fully up to date with how works were progressing. The contractors health and safety information and RAMS was of a high quality, along with the materials used. The site team and subcontractors carried out their work to a high standard and this level of professionalism can be clearly seen in the quality of the end product. We would certainly look to use CLS again in the future.’

Laura Jones, Sport & Recreation Officer, Test Valley Borough Council