Suffolk County Council has confirmed a £350,000 investment to resurface the athletics track at Northgate Sports Centre in Ipswich, securing its use for the next two decades. Funded through the Ipswich Investment Fund, the project forms part of a wider strategy to maintain and enhance the centre as a key regional sporting facility.
The athletics track, originally re-laid in 1999, has reached the end of its operational life. Work is expected to take place in summer 2026 and will bring the surface up to accreditation standards, allowing long-term use for schools, clubs and community groups.
From 1 April 2026, Northgate High School will take on operational and financial responsibility for the site under a new management model. The school will manage day-to-day operations while ensuring that community and club use continues during evenings, weekends and school holidays. A transitional revenue contribution of £30,000 from the county council will support the early years of the new model.
Councillor Paul West, Cabinet Member for Ipswich at Suffolk County Council, said:
“This £350,000 investment is about protecting a strategically important sports facility for Suffolk. Resurfacing the athletics track secures long-term use for the school, numerous running clubs and the wider community, while the new operating model with Northgate High School ensures the site can be run sustainably and continues to thrive.”
Northgate Sports Centre serves tens of thousands of visitors each year and hosts around 20,000 athletics track users. Clubs based at the site include Ipswich Harriers Athletics Club, Orwell Panthers Disabled Athletics Club and Ipswich Jaffa Running Club. The venue also attracts competitors from outside the county, underlining its regional significance.
Since 2023, Suffolk County Council has overseen the centre, with operations managed by Vivify following Ipswich Borough Council’s withdrawal. In recent years, the site has seen substantial upgrades, including a refurbished Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), tennis and netball courts, energy-efficient lighting, and essential fire safety works. These improvements have enhanced long-term viability and reduced running costs.
Rowena Mackie, Headteacher of Northgate High School, said:
“We’re incredibly lucky to have such well-used and popular sports facilities on our school site. We recognise the importance of the centre’s facilities to the wider community and, with support from community user groups, will work to maximise use beyond the school day. The additional investment from the county council will strengthen this offer for our students and the local community and secure its use for generations to come.”
Councillor Andrew Reid, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, added:
“Northgate Sports Centre is a vital asset for Ipswich and Suffolk, supporting local clubs, inclusive sport and regional competition. This significant investment will meet growing demand for sports facilities, protect opportunities for future generations and further strengthen this high-achieving school. Without Northgate High School’s support, we would not be in this positive position, and we are grateful that this will secure future community use. Our thanks also go to Vivify for their success in running such a thriving site.”
Ed Hunt, Facilities and Planning Manager at England Athletics, said:
“This investment is fantastic news for the local community and the athletics clubs that call Northgate home. The track is a vital hub for grassroots athletics, supporting thousands of athletes from Ipswich Harriers, Orwell Panthers, Ipswich Jaffa and beyond. Resurfacing will ensure continued access to a safe, high-quality facility for training and competition for years to come. We’re hugely grateful to Suffolk County Council for recognising the value of athletics and safeguarding a venue that plays such an important role in local sport.”
The resurfacing project and new operating arrangements aim to ensure Northgate Sports Centre remains a high-quality venue for local schools, clubs, and the wider Ipswich community for decades to come.
