‘Valid case’ for multi-purpose velodrome in West Midlands
PLANS for a new velodrome in the West Midlands have moved a step closer after a review concluded ‘there is a business case’ for a new multi cycling facility in the region.
Plans for new specialist cycling facilities, which could include a 250m velodrome, are to be progressed by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
A feasibility study will now look at potential locations, designs and funding opportunities for the new multipurpose indoor and outdoor facilities.
According to the WMCA, any new facilities will cater for people of all ages and abilities and facilitate all forms of cycling, such as BMX, mountain biking and track cycling.
Andy Street, mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair, met with campaigners and local cyclists at Halesowen Athletic Club to announce the outcome of the business case.
The mayor hopes any new facility will build on the legacy of the Commonwealth Games and the ‘WMCA’s wider work to get local people more physically active’.
In response to a long-running petition calling for a dedicated velodrome in the region, a business case review was carried out by the WMCA and Sport England to examine potential options.
The final report concluded there is a business case for a multi cycling facility, which could include a 250m velodrome track, but there was ‘no strategic, commercial or economical case for a standalone indoor velodrome.’
Plans for the new multi-cyling facilities are now subject to findings of a detailed site feasibility study. After meeting campaigners and local cyclists, Mr Street said: “For a number of years there has been a lot of campaigning on this issue and my commitment was to fund a business case for a velodrome.
“We now have that report and what we’re going to do next is to progress its recommendation to take a closer look at how we can provide for track cycling as part of more wide-ranging facilities that are for all levels and forms of cycling.
“We must continue to harness the interest generated by the Commonwealth Games and other sporting events that are coming to our region to inspire local people to be more active.
“We’re already doing that with the transformation of Sandwell Aquatics Centre into a state-of-the-art community sports centre which is attracting 15,000 visits every week, and I look forward to seeing plans for better and more inclusive cycling facilities progress over the coming months.”
A Cycling Facility Advisory Group has been overseeing the work. It is chaired by the Mayor’s cycling & walking commissioner, Adam Tranter.
He said: “A cycling facility, including a velodrome, in the region would be a brilliant asset in reducing health inequalities, boosting sporting participation and getting more people interested in cycling for leisure and transport.”
David Viner, who has been leading the campaign to get a competitionstandard velodrome built in the region, added: “The conclusion of the business case is a huge step forward for the campaign to have an indoor velodrome together with other possible cycling facilities for the West Midlands. This is long overdue.”