A £10 million velodrome and cycling park near Gravesend has moved nearer to becoming reality after the construction contract to build it was awarded this week.
Construction contractor VolkerFitzpatrick, which is one of the biggest building companies in the south east, will start work on the project, called Cyclopark, in the new year on a site adjacent to the A2 between Dartford and Gravesend after being selected from five applicants.
The facility, which will take ten months to build and hopes to attract 100,000 cyclists a year, should also feature a Jamie Staff Academy which the Olympic gold medal track cyclist plans to launch.
British Cycling’s chief executive officer Ian Drake, quoted on the Dartford Times website, said: “The plans for the Cyclopark venue look fantastic. It is a perfect example of the continued efforts we are making, together with Sport England, to create excellent modern cycling facilities across the UK.
“The new velopark here will offer people of all ages and abilities an opportunity to enjoy cycling in a safe, controlled and traffic free environment, supporting the growth of our sport at the grassroots and helping us develop future cycling stars.”
Although last year there were fears that some aspects of the Cyclopark might have to be scaled back as a result of difficulties in securing funding, Kent County Council is now meeting most of the cost of the project, contributing £7 million. The balance of finance for the £9.7 million total is due to be provided by Sport England, the Colyer-Fergusson Trust, British Cycling and the Homes and Communities Agency.
David Brazier, Kent County Council deputy cabinet member for environment, highways and waste and the council’s member cycling champion, commented: “I’m delighted to be able to say that the construction of Cyclopark will soon be underway and even happier to announce VolkerFitzpatrick as contractor. They have a long and successful history with particular reference to similar projects in the south-east.”
Diyal Nonis, contracts manager for VolkerFitzpatrick, added: “This is a really exciting project not only for Kent, but also for the south-east of England.”
We should make it as simple as possible for drivers to do the right things (well, all road users - but drivers are overwhelmingly the ones killing...
Oldfield Lane, Altrincham, which links Oldfield Brow to Dunham Park was permanently closed to motor traffic during the pandemic....
Very sad news this, I rode with this lad once on a new group ride I was trying out last year. He was very welcoming and I could tell he was a kind...
Agreed, and I'd contribute....
Thanks for your thoughts David. Argos is looking a good bet.
I'm pretty sure this is at least the third time the BBC have had a story on this - not sure why they keep forgetting that they've covered it.
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Wattbike are notorious for releasing products before the software is ready. Likely long term it will be fine....
That is a horror show. A gravel racers bike but since it has a motor no racer can use it....
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