A design team has been appointed by Darwen Borough Council to deliver the £2.3m Witton Park Athletics Facility project, which is due to be complete in Spring 2014.

The design team from Capita Symonds and Eric Wright Construction will be responsible for the project that aims to improve community sports facilities in the Borough.

Home to Blackburn Harriers and Athletics Club; the new facility will include improved changing facilities, spectator terracing, warm up/education social space and club room and a six-lane indoor 60m training track.

A 45-station fitness suite with free weight area and associated changing facilities will also be on offer.

Work will begin one year on from London 2012 where Blackburn Harriers' athletes enjoyed success such as Samantha Murray from Clitheroe secured a silver medal for the modern pentathlon

Councillor Damian Talbot, executive member for leisure, culture and young people, said: “This facility will transform athletics in the borough and will be for the benefit of everyone. We hope it will encourage more young people to take up the sport and help make our current talented athletes even better.

“We have worked with Blackburn Harriers to create a first class venue which will hopefully create the next Olympians.”

The existing running track will remain open to the Harriers, schools and members of the community throughout construction.