R&N AC could soon be enjoying brand new facilities at Northampton as part of the deal to redevelop Sixfields Stadium.
Northampton Borough Council, Moulton College and the Rugby & Northampton Athletic Club have come together to find a new facility when the development work begins at Sixfields. The deal would see a move to Moulton College’s campus to enjoy all the benefits of state of the art facilities to support the athletes train and compete.
The new athletics track and supporting infrastructure will be the latest addition to the £18 million invested in sporting facilities already in place at Moulton College.
Sixfields Stadium is set to expand, increasing the capacity and enabling the creation of new corporate and hospitality facilities in the Waterside Enterprise Zone. As part of the redevelopment the land used by the Rugby & Northampton Athletics Club will be used to support the building of the new facilities.
Councillor David Mackintosh, Leader of Northampton Borough Council said: “We are supporting the Cobblers with exciting plans that would see Sixfields Stadium redeveloped with modern facilities and a larger crowd capacity. As part of this multi-million pound project we are also looking to secure a new facility for Rugby & Northampton Athletics Club.
“There is a real opportunity to use the redevelopment of Sixfields to help the Athletics Club relocate to a new venue with improved facilities that meet their current and future needs. Moulton College has an excellent reputation for providing top class facilities in everything they do, so this move could be the start of bigger and better things for the athletics club.”
Stephen Davies, College Principal said “We are delighted to be working with Northampton Town Football Club, the Rugby & Northampton Athletics Club and both Northampton Borough Council and Daventry District Council on this new athletics facility. It will provide outstanding opportunities for students of the College, professional athletes and teams using the College facilities and much wider community group use.”
Mark Exley, chair of Rugby& Northampton Athletic Club said: “Today’s announcement is really positive for athletics in the area, giving our club access to first class facilities. This is an opportunity to take our club to the next level and build on the success we have achieved this season at National and Regional level. The facilities already in place at Moulton College are used by some of the biggest names in professional sport, and our athletes will benefit tremendously from training and competing in such a high quality environment.”
Councillor Chris Millar, Leader of Daventry District Council, said: “We are proud of the first class sporting facilities on offer in our district and these new proposals for Moulton will only serve to further enhance this offering.”
Northampton Town Football Club chairman David Cardoza, said: “It is a win/win situation for all parties.
“The athletics club themselves needed improved facilities and this move sees them add to the impressive stable of sporting talent on a local, national and international level who use the facilities at Moulton College.
“Once again, we are very grateful to Northampton Borough Council for their assistance with this move, which will benefit all concerned.”
