Notts Athletics Club seeks £1M for Harvey Hadden Stadium repairs

Notts Athletics Club is warning that its 70-year-old stadium is falling apart and demanding urgent repairs or risk losing its track—and its future. Officials say the Harvey Hadden Stadium track needs a full relaid, the throwing cage is broken beyond repair, and the main stand has been padlocked and fenced off with no explanation. “We have dilapidated equipment everywhere,” said Mick Robinson, club chair. “But without a future, there’s no point replacing anything. The track is a major expense and we need certainty it’s going to happen.”

The stadium, built in the 1950s with money from local philanthropist Harvey Hadden, is now run by a trust with Nottingham City Council as sole trustee—legally required to maintain it. The council says the stand was closed due to “health and safety concerns,” but Robinson claims they’ve had no communication. “They just fenced it off and padlocked it,” he said. “During winter, parents sit under there to watch their kids train. It’s madness.” Welfare officer Fiona Palmer says the track is “in a bad state” and unsafe for the 50 to 100 children who train there every Wednesday night.

Nottingham City Council admits parts of the facility are aging and need replacement, but claims it’s still working to find funding and a viable renovation plan. David Mellen, executive member for leisure and culture, said: “Some elements are simply old and have reached the point where replacement is needed.” He added that while use of the track hasn’t been interrupted, unauthorized access to the stand prompted fencing for public safety. The council says it’s been engaging with the club but has yet to set out a timeline or budget.

For a club that spends £80,000 a year on facility hire and supports 350 members—plus university teams—the delays could be costly. Without a relaid track, Robinson says they may have to consider moving. The longer the stand stays closed and the track deteriorates, the harder it becomes to attract athletes, volunteers, and funding. The council’s promise of an update later this year offers little comfort to parents, coaches, and athletes who just want a safe, functional place to run, throw, and train.