There’s been a lot of political argy-bargy between Labour and the Lib Dems about future plans for Southwark Park’s athletics track in recent months.

This week the (Labour) cabinet approved the borough’s updated capital programme which includes £2.63 million for works at the track.

Here’s what the report to cabinet says:

Investment is requested for the refurbishment of the existing building at Southwark Park Sports Complex to provide suitable changing and ancillary facilities to support athletics development and the needs of Southwark Park users. The facility is currently in poor condition both internally and externally, and does not deliver in terms of what would be expected of a community sports facility.

Usage figures of this facility are dropping. In the first quarter of 2013 only 95 attendances were recorded.

External funding has been secured for the refurbishment of the athletics facilities (track and field), and the building refurbishment will compliment this by providing quality supporting facilities. The site, following investment, will focus on grass- roots athletics and the development of a Southwark athletics club. Sports development activities will be led by Southwark’s Athletics Activator. There is also an aspiration for the facility to deliver a disability sports programme. Overall £3m will be required of which £370k has already been allocated as part of the OLF programme.

Funding will enable the delivery of a refurbished pavilion including changing facilities for athletics and for sport in the park, specialist athletics coaching facilities and a small gym focusing on support athletics training.