Stoke-on-trent sport and physical activity strategy 2009-2016

190. Synthetic athletics tracks are expensive facilities to build and can be expensive tomanage, particularly unless the site is shared with other uses. At the same time,the number of users is relatively limited compared to the large throughputs ofswimming pools and halls.191. There are two other operational tracks in the surrounding area: Ashfields Track(Newcastle) and Birchall Track (Leek). However, these are both ageing cindertracks, although the Birchall track has recently been improved. The Michelintrack (also cinder), which is located in Newcastle close to the boundary with<strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent, is currently closed.Indoor training192. The SASSOT Facilities Framework reviewed the importance of indoor training forathletics. The UK Athletics Facilities Planning and Delivery 2007 – 2012proposes:“One regional centre, one regional 200m track and one indoor training centre arerecommended per 500,000 population, within a 30 minute drive time (or 45minutes for those living in rural locations) “193. The Framework supports the development of an indoor athletics training centre in<strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent, which should be sited alongside the athletics track. This may beat Northwood or alternatively at Fenton Manor. Whichever site is confirmed, thefacility would be within the 30 minutes drive time for all of <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent’sresidents.Assessment194. Figure 22 shows the existing synthetic track provision across <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent andStaffordshire, together with the main tracks outside the SASSOT area. It is clearthat the Northwood site (or its replacement) has an important role to play inproviding for athletics across the County Sports Partnership area.195. <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent meets the NGB aspiration of one 6/8 lane synthetic track per250,000 head of population within a 20 minute drive time, and the totalpopulation in <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent is not likely to exceed 250,000 in the foreseeablefuture. The affect of the aging population will balance out the planned increasesin participation. It is therefore recommended that the current standard of 0.03lanes per 1000 population is maintained for the foreseeable future and that thisprovision should be augmented by indoor facilities on the same site.Nortoft Partnerships Ltd <strong>Stoke</strong>-on-Trent Page | 171Sport & Physical Activity Strategy 2009-2016October 2009