Nottingham City Council is set to approve a £2.082 million investment in Harvey Hadden Stadium, securing the future of the city’s only full athletics stadium and delivering major improvements to its facilities and infrastructure.
The decision will be made at the Council’s Executive Board on Tuesday 20 October.
Harvey Hadden Stadium is a unique sporting asset for Nottingham, providing the city’s only competition-standard athletics facility and supporting school sport, grassroots participation, club training, athlete development and athletics events.
The facility welcomed almost 13,800 participants during 2025 and is used by schools, universities, community groups and Notts Athletic Club.
The proposed investment will fund a comprehensive programme of refurbishment works, including the replacement of the outdoor and indoor athletics tracks, repairs to the grandstand, improvements to drainage, upgraded lighting, new CCTV, electrical works, and renewed athletics equipment.
If approved, works will address significant deterioration identified through recent surveys and ensure the stadium continues to meet safety and operational requirements.
As part of the scheme, spectator seating will be rationalised to 499 seats or fewer, helping to reduce future compliance and maintenance requirements while retaining the stadium’s core athletics function.
Councillor Sam Lux, Executive Member for Environment and Sustainability at Nottingham City Council, said: “Harvey Hadden Stadium is a pillar of Nottingham’s sporting heritage. It has nurtured many star athletes over the years and is still absolutely an essential facility to our communities.
“Now Nottingham City Council is in a strong financial position supported by an increase in funding from the Government, we are finally able to make the investments it deserves.
“In spending over £2m on upgrading the track and stadium we are making sure local athletes, schools, clubs and residents continue to have access to high-quality athletics facilities.
“The decision is living proof of our commitment to supporting sport, health and local communities across the city.”
The stadium was opened in 1960/61 using funds bequeathed by Harvey Hadden and is held under charitable trust arrangements for public sport and recreation. The Council has a responsibility to maintain the facility for the benefit of Nottingham residents and visitors.
If approved, the refurbishment programme will progress to detailed design, procurement and delivery, with the Council continuing to explore external funding opportunities that could contribute towards elements of the wider improvement programme.
The proposed investment will help preserve athletics provision in Nottingham, support community wellbeing and physical activity, improve site security through upgraded lighting and CCTV, and protect an important facility for future generations.
For more information, the Executive Board report on the Harvey Hadden Stadium Repairs and Track Replacement Programme can be read here.