The Herne Hill Velodrome Trust has secured planning permission from Southwark Council to carry out further improvements to the track, British Cycling announced today.
Above: Herne Hill Velodrome is reopened back in September 2011.
The improvements, which include a junior track, hard-standing and new trackside lighting, are being funded by Southwark Council’s Olympic Legacy Fund and will allow the velodrome to be used by more people throughout the year, particularly younger riders, families and people with disabilities.
The installation of much needed lighting will mark the first time the track has ever been lit in its 122 year history and will allow the velodrome to be used during the winter months. The construction of an area of hard-standing and a junior track will mean that riders will now have space to warm up and cool down.
British Cycling’s Chief Executive, Ian Drake, said:
“We are delighted that the Herne Hill Velodrome Trust has been successful in obtaining planning permission for what is effectively phase two of the velodrome's rebirth. Phase one was achieved in 2011 when British Cycling resurfaced the track, saving it from closure and we look forward to working with the Trust, the Dulwich Estate, Sport England and all our local members and supporters to deliver phase three - the redevelopment of the pavilion.”
John Major, Chief Executive of The Dulwich Estate, congratulated the Trust on successfully achieving its aim of extending participation in cycling at this unique location.
Peter Cattermole, Chairman of the Velo Club Londres, (the club that manages Herne Hill Velodrome) said: "These new facilities, along with the new surface, will create a real step change in the numbers and diversity of users at Herne Hill. We are already a very busy site with school sessions during the day, public sessions in the evenings and at weekends plus more open track events than any other track in the country. Being able to extend the use of the Velodrome site to all ages and abilities as well as making it a year round venue proves cycling’s commitment to an Olympic Legacy."
The following improvements will be made:
- Junior track - a 250m circuit in the track centre to enable the development of younger riders’ track skills. The circuit will also offer a suitable warm up and cool down track for riders during events.
- Hard-standing - an enclosed tarmac area in the track centre for activities such as Bikeability training, bike polo and non conventional bikes such as hand bikes that require a hard surface independent of the main 450m velodrome track. The hard-standing will also provide a safe designated waiting area for riders. Both the junior track and the hard-standing area have been carefully positioned so as not to obstruct the view of the main velodrome track.
- Trackside lighting – the Trust will install lighting columns to extend usage of the track beyond daylight hours, particularly in the autumn and winter months. Usage of the lights will be subject to time limits and will be designed to have a minimal impact on local residents.
