British Cycling are continuing to work with Brighton and Hove Council to find a solution for the full reopening of Preston Park cycle track, after the results of a condition survey on the popular facility were submitted last week.

The Preston Park velodrome was closed to competitive cycling after users of the track identified, in particular, the fencing but also other aspects of the site as in need of modernisation.

Some repairs were carried out by Brighton and Hove City Council but concerns remain about certain parts of the track where safety may be compromised in competitive events.

British Cycling has ensured the facility has remained open for coaching and training activity, so long as safety guidelines are followed.

British Cycling has commissioned a company called Abacus to undertake a condition survey of the track in order to fully outline the work required. Abacus visited the site in early February and the findings of this were presented to us last week.

The main recommendation of the report is that the perimeter fence needs to be completely replaced with a new fence that meets modern safety standards. The remainder of the report is still being worked through between ourselves and representatives from Brighton and Hove Council.

British Cycling’s facility funding is provided by Sport England, and has been allocated for the development of 33 new traffic-free cycle sport facilities, as opposed to the maintenance of existing sites. However, this does not mean we would not be prepared to consider a maintenance project, particularly for a very well used existing facility such as this.

We will continue to work with Brighton and Hove Council to find a solution for Preston Park track and, like the hundreds of people in the area who value the track, we look forward to competitive cycling returning to the site soon.