PLANS IN PIPELINE FOR NATIONAL CYCLE CENTRE
The Reformer can exclusively reveal that discussions to create a national road-racing facilty in Cambuslang are underway.
The site - located off Bogleshole Road - has been earmarked by a group of volunteers, who are determined to bring the facility to the area.
At present, Scotland has no road-racing training facility, and the team have demonstrated that by locating it in Cambuslang, access would be open to 60 per cent of Scotland’s population, who are within an hour’s drive.
The proposal has been put forward by Cambuslang Community Council, CamGlen Bike Town (part of the Healthy‘ n ’Happy Community Development Trust), South Lanarkshire Council, South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, and cyclists from East Kilbride Road Club.
Scottish Cycling last month met with representatives from the group at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow, with the ultimate aim being the creation of a dedicated closed-road training/racing facility in the town.
The Reformer understands a firm has an option on this land which will expire in early 2015, but they are unlikely to take this up.
The Reformer can exclusively reveal that plans to create a multimillion pound national cycle road-racing centre in Cambuslang have been outlined.
Scottish Cycling met with representatives from a group behind the bid at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow last month, to establish a dedicated closed- road training/ racing facility in the town.
A site has been identified at Bogleshole Road, on waste ground at the back of the old Hoover facility, and the Reformer understands that the land is currently owned by Scottish Enterprise. We believe that a firm has an option on this land which will expire in early 2015, but they are unlikely to take this up.
The area - known as Site 22 - is 82,500 square metres, and has been a dumping ground in recent years, and is unsuitable for a major development, for either industrial use or housing.
The proposal has been developed by Cambuslang Community Council, CamGlen Bike Town (part of the Healthy ‘n’ Happy Community Development Trust), South Lanarkshire Council, South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, and cyclists from East Kilbride Road Club.
Community council treasurer John Bachtler said: “The area we’ve identified has been vacant since the early 1970s, when it was known as Hamilton Farm, and was previously used for agriculture.
“What we’re proposing is an outdoor track of between 1.5 and two kilometres, with the option of a shorter loop, floodlighting, changing rooms, toilets and showers, a clubhouse and cafe, and parking for coaches and cars.
“There is varied terrain, giving scope for an undulating course with different gradients, and it is separate from residential areas, meaning there will be minimal disturbance from noise, traffic and floodlighting.
“There are also plenty of cycling activities based nearby, with the Cathkin Braes mountain bike centre, the Sir Chris Hoy Velod rome, the Cuningar Forest Park track, and the South Lanarkshire Lifestyle sports centre.
“Cambuslang is in a great position for this because it can reach 63.1 per cent of the Scottish population within 60 minutes.
“There are also great train and bus links, with Cambuslang and Carmyle train stations both being closs by, and plenty of bus routes.”
A Scottish Enterprise spokesperson said: “Site 22 is not leased at present but is the subject of an option agreement that expires early next year. Notwithstanding that agreement, we have recently been approached by a party potentially interested in the site, however we are not at liberty to discuss the detail of this approach at this time.”
The team behind the bid has investigated similar facilities, looking at a £4.5 million facility in Redbridge in Essex, which opened in 2008, and the £ 10 million Cyclopark in Kent.
John added: “We’ve spoken to representatives of canoeing and rowing groups on the Clyde, as there are few places for them to access this part of the river. We would like to be able to incorporate something for them in this project too, so they have a safe place to launch.”
A Scottish Cycling spokesperson said: “Our facilities strategy identifies the need for multi- discipline cycling hubs throughout Scotland.
“Scottish Cycling believe that having safe, local, accessible cycling facilities throughout Scotland will aid the development of our sport.
“Local cycling facilities will not only help generate youth participation and develop the skills of existing riders throughout Scotland but will also aid the progression of our coaches, leaders and club volunteers.”
Last month, the Reformer revealed that Cambuslang Community Council, South Lanarkshire Council and Healthy ‘n’ Happy are looking to create a new cycle path along the south side of the River Clyde, linking Cambuslang and Rutherglen.