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The new athletics hub in Oakdale is set to open to the public later this month, Caerphilly County Borough Council has announced.

The new hub, which is located on the school fields at Rhiw Syr Dafydd Primary School, has a six-lane, 300-metre floodlit running track and an additional area for off-field events like high jump, long jump, shot put, javelin and discus.

It is set to open on Monday, July 26, and has been open to community athletics clubs since July 1.

It is the first synthetic running track in Caerphilly County Borough, with the £755,000 cost fully paid for by the Welsh Government through its Community Hub Grant.

Before it opened, Caerphilly County Borough was one of just six local authority areas in Wales without a synthetic running track.

Building work on the site started in June last year.

The hub will has two storage units for equipment and a grassy area for school activities including sports days.

The area inside the track has remained grassed to allow dual use by the school for various pitch sports, including after school activities and sports days.

Use of the facility outside school hours will be limited to a curfew of 9pm to minimise noise nuisance to nearby homes, with floodlighting switched off by 9.15pm.

Ruth Powell, Chair of Rhymney Athletics Club, said: “We are delighted that our coaches and athletes have a fit-for-purpose, secure and safe facility. We have held sessions at the track since the July 1 and we are already seeing great results amongst our young athletes.”

Cllr Ross Whiting, the council’s Cabinet Member for Learning and Leisure, said: “It is fantastic that residents and the wider community now have access to a first-class athletics facility in Caerphilly County Borough.

“The athletics hub will be a real asset for the school and its pupils, but it is also hugely important for local athletics and running clubs, as they seek to develop and grow their sport even further.”

Commenting on Caerphilly Observer’s Facebook page, Islwyn Senedd Member Rhianon Passmore described the hub as “a welcome addition to the life of Islwyn” and “a great resource for the community.”

Visits to the hub will be operated via a booking system.

The prices to use the hub are:

• Track Hire – £35 per hour 
• Recreational rate – £3 per session 
• Half Day Event – £90 
• Full Day Event – £180 
• Group booking of fewer than eight people – £3 each per session 
• Group booking more than eight (private coaching sessions) – £35 per hour

These fees will come into effect on July 1 and will be subject to a yearly review.

For more information or to book, email newbridgelc@caerphilly.gov.uk