Cycle track approved at Hereford Racecourse

A new 1.5km cycle circuit has been approved for Hereford Racecourse. The Hereford Times reports that the project, which will not be council-funded, will cost around £600,000 and will make use of the parking, changing and refreshment facilities already at the site.

As well as hosting races, the six-metre wide circuit will also be used for teaching cycling skills with the layout allowing it to be separated into different lengths to allow multiple groups to use it at the same time.

Councillor Jim Kenyon, who has championed the idea for a number of years, said:

“This new circuit will not only increase the number of confident cyclists in Herefordshire, but will drive forward cycling participation, club development and promote the development of future talent.

“We have also seen that these facilities are a great opportunity to develop the local economy as well with major events and new visitors attending competitive events planned as part of the circuit."

The facility will be operated by Halo Leisure as part of the Hereford Leisure Centre site with the track designed to fit around existing leisure facilities.

Alex Haines, Partnership Manager for Halo said: “A key feature of the design is the flexibility to build the circuit in two phases, subject to the availability of funding. The preference is to build at least 1km of circuit with lighting and to extend this to the full 1.5km length as soon as funding is available.”

A previous post on Facebook said that with planning permission granted, funding would now become the main priority. Applications will be made to UK sports bodies if matched funs can be found.