A new purpose built Velodrome is being brought forward to promote cycling in the city
MAJOR plans to complete the International Sports Village in Cardiff Bay have been revealed.
The site, currently the home to the Ice Arena Wales and International Swimming Pool, will add new sporting facilities such as a Zip Wire tower, a new Velodrome and a 1km running and cycling circuit.
The plan for delivery of a new Velodrome facility, if approved by Cardiff Council, would see the relocation of the Maindy Cycle Track, where Tour de France legend Geraint Thomas started cycling.
Maindy is Cardiff’s only outdoor cycle track and includes cycle storage, a workshop, welfare facilities and studio space. Maindy Flyers has around 200 members and has been there since 1995.
Deian Jones, Chair of Maindy Flyers Cycling Club, said: “As a growing club with an illustrious history, we welcome Cardiff Council’s commitment to a seamless transition to a new facility.
“Development of the closed road circuit together with the new velodrome will provide a safe environment to develop youth cycling further, and will be appreciated by the club’s membership comprising over 150 riders all of which are under 18.”
Cardiff Council has promised to put more investment into grassroots cycling by developing and promoting the new velodrome located in the heart of Cardiff Bay.
A consultation document says: “The Council has been keen to modernise the city’s Velodrome facility for some time. The delivery of a new Velodrome facility on an alternative site would allow the land currently occupied by the Maindy Velodrome to be used to support the school expansion should it be required.”
It comes as ambitious plans in December 2020 were published for a 30-acre site stretching from County Hall to the Red Dragon Centre across to Lloyd George Avenue.
The Taff Embankment scheme will open up access to the riverside and connect the city to Cardiff Bay with an uninterrupted pathway.
The development could also see apartment blocks between six and eight storeys around semi-private garden squares being secured as the first phase in autumn 2022.
Cabinet Member for Investment and Development, Cllr Russell Goodway, said: “The council started the regeneration of this land in the Bay in 1999. It has proven to be a complex, long-term project involving extensive land reclamation and remediation works and significant infrastructure investment.
“We are also in discussions to accelerate the development of the nearby waterfront area, to complete the new residential district. The bay edge walkway would be fully retained for public use and the current road system could be remodelled to create an enhanced pedestrian environment at the heart of the leisure development.”
The proposed cost plans for delivery of the Velodrome and wider development are not known, but it is anticipated that the capital costs of relocating the cycling track will be funded by the Council.
Cardiff Council’s Cabinet will be meeting on Thursday to determine if the new velodrome will be given planning permission.
The new sporting facilities include:
- A 333m velodrome with clubhouse and stand;
- A 1km closed-loop circuit, for cycling, running and scooters/roller blades
- A large format bicycle shop
- Space to attract new adventure sport/leisure attractions
- Additional car parking space
- A Zip Wire tower, and
- Food, drink and retail opportunities.
The full Velodrome & International Sports Village Development Strategy can be found here.
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