Residents angry at being ‘locked out’ of BMX venue
GLASGOW residents have been locked out of a sporting venue created for the 2018 European Championships.
Almost four months on from the end of the event, the public has not been given access to the BMX Centre in Knightswood.
The £3.7 million venue remains out of bounds to local clubs, schools and community groups who were promised access by operators Glasgow Life.
The issue of its inaccessibility has been raised at a recent community council meeting – prompting calls for an explanation from those in charge. One local, who asked not to be named, said: “Local clubs were denied access to book it for some time before the games and no progress has been made by Glasgow life since.
“We were told the delays were due to floodlights being fitted but these have been in place for at least a month now with no signs of progress.”
Councillor Paul Carey added: “This was raised at the community council meeting as to why it was still closed I am shocked that the BMX centre has not been open since August.
“Is it a money-saving exercise?
“If so is it the case that Glasgow Life have broken the promise to the community?”
However, the arms-length council organisation insists that there was never any plans to open to centre immediately after the European Championships and that residents will need to wait until next to make use of its facilities.
A spokeswoman explained: “The Glasgow BMX Centre was the only permanent venue constructed for use in the inaugural 2018 Glasgow European Championships, and played host to two exciting days of competition.
“As it was to be used for test events prior to the Championships, the venue was constructed in a ‘competitionready’ state, including the installation of seating stands and timing equipment.
“Following the conclusion and de-rig phase of the Championships, Glasgow Life took back ownership of the Centre in October in order to carry out work to open the venue for public use.
“This includes installation of floodlights and a new fenceline, kitting out and dressing the venue, as well as preparing BMX equipment for customer use and hire, and training staff in the accreditation process.
She added: “The venue will open to the public early next year.”