Work on Saxton Velodrome ploughing on
While a victory lap is close for the Saxton Velodrome, the race is on to secure last-minute funds and beat the winter weather.
Built on land owned by the Tasman District Council, who are managing the project, the velodrome will include a 333-metre banked track and a 300m flat track and will be a connection to local cycleway networks. It will also feature a cycle safety arena to teach children the skills required to ride on the road
The project is being funded by Nelson (43 per cent) and Tasman (37 per cent) councils, which are contributing 80 per cent of the total cost. The Saxton Velodrome Trust is charged with raising the remaining 20 per cent build cost and ongoing maintenance.
Construction was in its final stages, with top soiling and finishing touches on the banking underway ahead of concreting and sealing of the track next month.
The project is expected to be completed within six weeks. However, timing of the weather, availability of specialised machinery and funding have been identified as key aspects in getting the project over the line.
Trustee Rob Ford has followed the project since 2007 and was pleased to see the project in its end stages.
‘‘Things are starting to become obvious now- the finishing work is starting to look more like a facility now whereas before it was a big mound of dirt.’’
After being approved for construction in 2014, work started on the site in June the following year.
However, Ford said weather delays and natural disasters had impacted on contractor availability and overall progress on the facility.
‘‘The Kaikoura earthquake has really pulled on Nelson’s resources – I think every major contractor in Nelson has some kind of resource involved in Kaikoura so its sort of impacted on the whole district really,’’ he said. The specialised method of construction has required some equipment to be sourced from out of the district, as well as technical advice from overseas being sought in regards to sealing the facility.
So far, the trust has raised $285,000 towards their $320,000 target, based on the tendered construction price of $1.6 million.
Ford said the project would not have happened without the endless volunteered hours the trustees have put in over many years as well the two councils, the Rata foundation, Mainland Trust and Lion foundation. While a Givealittle page continued to receive donations from the public and local organisations, Ford hoped to secure more funding in the weeks ahead.
‘‘It would be great if some parties could see the potential in it – the more funding in it the more design can develop – that makes the difference between an okay facility and an exceptional facility.’’
Last year, the budget to complete Saxton Velodrome was raised by $442,000 to $2.042 million after additional work and costs were identified.
Ford said any further construction costs incurred, the trust would endeavour to help source funding to ensure the facility was built to a safe standard for community use. As well as cycling, Ford said expressions of interest had also come from local speed skaters and the Halberg Trust for use by Special Olympics and disabled athletes. Organisers of Abel Tasman Cycle Challenge hope to use it as the venue for its event.