Why it matters: The investment secures the future of a strategically important sports facility for the next 20 years, supporting numerous running clubs and the wider community whilst introducing a new sustainable operating model.
The big picture: The athletics track at Northgate Sports Centre on Sidegate Lane was last re-laid in 1999 and is now at the end of its operational life. The resurfacing work, expected to take place in summer 2026, will allow the track to meet accreditation standards and remain in use for an estimated further 20 years.
The details: Funded through the Ipswich Investment Fund, the investment will be delivered alongside a new operating model. Northgate High School will take on the operational and financial management of Northgate Sports Centre and the athletics track from 1 April 2026. Community and club use will continue during evenings, weekends and school holidays, and the county council says it will not detract from the work or finances of the school.
The centre supports tens of thousands of visitors each year and is home to several established clubs, including Ipswich Harriers Athletics Club, Orwell Panthers Disabled Athletics Club and Ipswich Jaffa Running Club. As a regional athletics venue, the site also attracts competitors from outside the county.
For context: Since 2023, the centre has been commissioned and managed by Suffolk County Council and operated by Vivify, following the withdrawal of Ipswich Borough Council. Alongside the track investment, the county council has made substantial improvements to the wider site over the past three years, including a refurbished Multi-Use Games Area, tennis and netball courts, energy-efficient internal and external lighting, and essential fire safety works.
A transitional revenue contribution of £30,000 from Suffolk County Council will support the early years of the new operating model and help maximise use of the upgraded athletics track.
What they're saying: 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."
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 at Suffolk County Council, 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 bottom line: The partnership between Suffolk County Council and Northgate High School secures a crucial athletics facility for Ipswich's running community whilst ensuring its long-term sustainability through a new management model.
