Bedford International Athletic Stadium has taken a significant step forward with the completion of a major track resurfacing project, helping to re-establish the venue as a competition-standard athletics facility and secure its long-term future for clubs, athletes and the wider community.

The newly resurfaced track facility, run by GLL, the charitable social enterprise, officially reopened recently, marking the culmination of extensive work supported by investment from Bedford Borough Council and delivered through Alliance Leisure, Surfacing Standards Ltd (SSL) and principal contractor Hunts.

An initial reopening in December was marked by a visit from the Mayor of Bedford, Tom Wootton, and Portfolio Holder Cllr Sarah Gallagher. Members of Bedford & County Athletics Club were in attendance, including younger athletes keen to be the first to use the new surface.

More recently, England Athletics CEO Chris Jones and Club Support Manager for the region, Kirsty Fardell, attended a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Mayor and other key figures, before a county open fixture hosted at the venue.

England Athletics CEO Chris Jones said: “This has been a fantastic collaborative effort between Bedford and County AC, GLL, Bedford Borough Council, and we’re just pleased to play our part in that, bringing our national age group championships back to Bedford in 2026.

“Without the investment of Bedford Borough Council, this track opening today would not be possible. But our Facilities and Planning Manager, Ed Hunt, and Club Support Manager Kirsty Fardell, have been fundamentally important in terms of advice and guidance around track surface type, managing the relationship between club and facility, contractors, Polytan, and making sure that the design and technical specifications around the facilities were compliant with the requirements of the sport.”

Scope of works and delivery

The resurfacing works formed part of a wider programme of investment into the stadium and its surrounding areas. Key elements of the project included a full relay of the athletics track and surrounding areas with a Polytan overlay, black top resurfacing of hard standing areas, installation of a new running rail and the introduction of smart timing gates.

Testing of the new track has now been completed, with certification issued following assessment by a UK Athletics recognised test house. The facility has been measured and assessed to UK Athletics Level 2 Track & Field standards and has achieved UKA TrackMark Certification Units 1, 2 and 5.

In addition, the project includes the purchase of £200,000 worth of new athletics and maintenance equipment, due to arrive over the coming months.

Amy Draper, GLL General Manager at Bedford International Athletic Stadium, said: “We are committed to putting Bedford back on the map for athletics in the UK. This investment allows us to deliver a competition-standard track, welcome new athletes to the stadium and build a sustainable future for the sport locally.”

Impact for clubs and athletes

For Bedford & County Athletics Club, which has more than 500 members from across the local community, the resurfaced track represents both continuity and opportunity.

Ewan Wilson, Chair of Bedford and County Athletic Club, said: “We are very grateful to Bedford Borough Council for the investment in the track and the wider athletics facilities. Bedford & County AC is a successful and growing club with a long and decorated past. The resurfaced track secures the future of the club within the town and we look forward to working with GLL to write the next chapter in the club’s history.”

Ewan continued: “Bedford & County AC are proud to be the largest Track & Field club in Bedfordshire, with a long history of success. The resurfaced track secures a safe, high‑quality facility for athletes to train on, and we’re delighted to see this investment in the sport. Bedford International Stadium has long been renowned for hosting major competitions, and this redevelopment ensures it can continue to welcome events of exceptional standard for years to come.”

Looking ahead

Further work to improve the surrounding areas and internal facilities will continue. The GLL team is focused on maximising the impact of the investment by increasing usage and improving the commercial performance of the centre during 2026.