Aerial view of track progress
AN AERIAL view has revealed progress on a new £3m athletics track in Aberdare after the old sports centre was demolished in the “biggest, most complex demolition challenge the council has ever faced”.
Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) Council knocked down the old Michael Sobell Sports Centre last year to make way for the new facility.
The new athletics track will complete the council’s investment in the site, which has already seen the new Aberdare Community School, leisure centre, 3G pitch and skate park delivered – as part of a £67m investment.
A 172-seat spectator stand and changing rooms will be included on the site.
Aberdare Valley Amateur Athletic Club said the progress is an “exciting” time for the area.
Vice-chairman Richard Gardiner, 44, said: “The facilities already built are some of the best in the country, and the track will make it the jewel in the RCT crown of sport facilities. Now we need to build bridges with the local schools to make sure that when the track is opened we have got the staff and the coaches to take in what I believe will be a significant influx of athletes.”
The final phases of the wider development were delayed due to a significant presence of asbestos at the old sports centre. The building was dismantled in a brick-by-brick process.
The complex asbestos removal and demolition scheme cost £17m. The council worked alongside the Health and Safety Executive and the asbestos was removed and disposed of safely.
Councillor Ann Crimmings, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s cabinet member for environment and leisure, said previously: “When the demolition process started, the council’s contractor discovered the presence of asbestos, which led to the biggest, most complex demolition challenge the council has ever faced.
“It required a painstaking, brick-by-brick process to ensure safety, which was the biggest priority for the council.”