Major upgrade for Cumberland Arena as athletics track investment agreed

6 August 2026

Community sport in Crewe and across Cheshire East is getting a welcome investment, with the Cumberland Arena athletics track set to undergo a major upgrade.

For decades, the facilities at Cumberland Arena have been a focal point for sport in Crewe, supporting generations of runners, jumpers and throwers, from their first experience of athletics through to county and national competition.

The venue, which is operated by Everybody Health & Leisure in partnership with Cheshire East Council, is used by schools, community groups and clubs from across South Cheshire and plays a key role in promoting health, wellbeing and opportunity.

Now, with an almost £500,000 investment agreed, the arena’s athletics track is set to be restored so that it can once again provide a safe and accessible community facility to hundreds of people across the area, as well as host regional competitions which bring people into the town.

The upgrades are the latest piece in a wider project to modernise and expand the facilities at the arena. This includes a new artificial 3G pitch, three new multi-purpose studio spaces to support fitness classes, community activities and targeted health and wellbeing programmes run by Everybody Health and Leisure, a new covered spectator stand, more car parking and secure cycle shelters.

The latest investment news has been warmly welcomed by Crewe and Nantwich Athletic Club, one of Cheshire’s largest and most successful athletics organisations, which is based at the arena. The investment will also support Everybody in offering inclusive activities throughout the day at the track, including inclusive cycling.

Chair of Crewe and Nantwich Athletic Club, Clair said: “Thousands of people have trained, competed and exercised at the Cumberland Arena since the track was last resurfaced almost 25 years ago.

“Without this investment, we would be forced to stop hosting competitions from early next year, as the track in its present condition would not pass the certification required to legally hold competitions.

“The investment in the athletics track protects not just a sports facility, but a community built on volunteering, participation and opportunity.

“In the last year alone, our athletes have won more than 70 medals at the County Championships, 14 athletes were selected for the English Schools National Championships, and one of our athletes recently competed at the Schools International Athletics Board (SIAB) competition in Belfast, representing England and bringing home both a gold and a bronze medal.

“By bringing the track back up to standard, we can create more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to be active.”

The work to upgrade the athletics track is due to begin in early spring next year, while the wider project to improve the facilities will complete this autumn.

Councillor Mick Warren, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for planning, housing and regeneration, said: “The Cumberland Arena has been at the heart of athletics in Crewe for a significant amount of time, helping generations of local people take their first steps into sport, improve their fitness, and compete at the highest levels.

“The track is a long-standing community asset, used not only by Crewe & Nantwich Athletics Club but by schools, running clubs, community groups and athletes from across the region.

“I am really pleased to see this investment being made and look forward to the return of athletics competitions being held at the arena once more.”

The track upgrade is being made possible with a grant from the Government’s Local Regeneration Fund (previously known as the Towns Fund), which follows a decision to reallocate funds from another Towns Fund project in Crewe, Valley Brook Corridor. Plans for the Valley Brook Corridor project have changed to reflect local feedback, meaning less funding is now needed to deliver it.

The funds are now being awarded to Everybody Health & Leisure to bring the track into line with the rest of the regenerative works.

Tony Davison, chair of Crewe Town Board, which oversees Towns Fund investment in Crewe, said: “This investment is about more than resurfacing a track. It's about protecting a much-loved community asset, supporting the next generation of athletes, and ensuring the Cumberland Arena continues to play a central role in sport and wellbeing in Crewe for years to come.”

Thomas Barton, CEO of Everybody Health & Leisure, said: “Our charity has been operating the Cumberland Arena since 2014, creating a space for clubs and sports groups to train and come together.

“We are so happy to be in receipt of this additional funding to complement our original grant bid, which now allows us to regenerate the track and bring it in line with the excellent standard of facilities, this will benefit the athletics club, local schools and many other members of the community. 

“The redevelopment of Cumberland Arena will make it a thriving community asset that will be accessed seven-days a week for many existing and new users; helping to inspire the next generation of athletes.”