People of all ages and abilities are being invited to enjoy a new outdoor active track at West Way Sports Hub, creating more opportunities for walking, jogging, running, and cycling in Chorley.
The new West Way Active Track is a free-to-use, all-weather facility designed to help people become more active, improve their health and wellbeing, and enjoy the outdoors. The 700-metre track winds around the edge of the playing fields, providing a safe and accessible space for exercise, recreation, and rehabilitation.
Constructed using sustainable recycled rubber surfacing, the track offers a smooth, cushioned, non-slip surface suitable for year-round use. The permeable design also supports the environment by allowing rainwater to drain naturally.
To ensure the facility can be enjoyed throughout the year, solar-powered in-ground lights have been installed at five-metre intervals along the route, helping to illuminate the track during darker evenings.
The track has been designed with accessibility at its heart, featuring direct disabled access from parking bays at West Way Sports Hub, connections to existing paths from Chancery Road and nearby bus routes, as well as seating areas along the route where users can rest or simply enjoy the surroundings. Further environmental enhancements are planned, including tree planting to support biodiversity across the site.
The project has been funded through approximately £350,000 of Section 106 Developer Contributions, alongside match funding from Astley Village Parish Council.
The Active Track complements the existing facilities at West Way Sports Hub, including the compact athletics track, jump pit and artificial grass pitch, helping to create a comprehensive sporting and recreation destination for the local community.
The facility will be used by local organisations including Chorley Athletic and Triathlon Club and the Chorley Schools Partnership, while remaining freely available for public use. The playing fields continue to be managed and used by Astley and Buckshaw Junior Football Club.
Cabinet Member for Planning and Development, Councillor Alex Hilton, said: "The new West Way Active Track is a fantastic addition to Chorley's infrastructure, providing a high-quality, accessible facility that supports the health and wellbeing of our residents while enhancing the area's recreational offer.
"Investing in facilities such as this helps us create thriving communities, encourages people to make the most of our outdoor spaces, and ensures residents of all ages and abilities have opportunities to be active close to home.
“It's another positive step in making Chorley an even better place to live, work and visit."
The track is free to use with no booking required. Users are asked to be considerate of others and if cycling, to, cycle at an appropriate speed and follow on-site guidance to help protect the playing fields.
Visitors to the Active Track should use Hallgate car park and follow the signed, accessible route through the nearby underpass to the track.
Find out more on our website.