Battersea Park athletics track gets a world-class upgrade
Published: Thursday, October 15, 2026
Athletes of all abilities can now enjoy a world-class running surface in Battersea Park following the completion of a major refurbishment of the Millennium Arena athletics track.
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Fully funded through contributions secured from local developments, rather than from the council, the upgrade has transformed the facility into a World Athletics-certified track, providing residents, schools, sports clubs and aspiring athletes with access to one of the highest-quality athletics facilities in the country.
The certification means Battersea Park is now one of only two venues in London with World Athletics accreditation, enabling athletes to set officially recognised records at the track. The accreditation also assures elite competitors that the track meets the same specifications found at major international championships.
The upgraded track was officially launched at a community event supported by Parkrun and the Harlequins Foundation, which saw children from local schools take part in a range of sporting activities.
Councillor Ethan Brooks, Cabinet Member for Environment who attended the event said: “Achieving World Athletics certification puts Battersea Park on the map as a venue that can support elite performance while remaining a fantastic community asset for residents, schools and local clubs in this iconic setting.
“It is fantastic to open the upgraded track alongside local young people, some of whom could be the athletes of the future. We hope they, and residents of all ages and abilities, enjoy the benefits of this outstanding facility first-hand.”
The refurbishment forms part of Wandsworth Council's ongoing investment in sports and leisure facilities across the borough, including the completion of renewed sports pitches in Battersea Park earlier this year, also funded by developer contributions.