New cycle circuit in Middlesbrough takes shape ahead of next month's opening

A project to build a new £700,000 cycle circuit in Middlesbrough, due to open next month, is nearing completion with the arrival last week of the clubhouse, a modular building delivered on six flatbed lorries, with the sections hoisted into position by crane.

The project is being funded by the Middlesbrough Healthy Town programme, NHS Middlesbrough and British Cycling, and forms part of the sport’s national governing body’s initiative to develop new cycling facilities throughout Britain, aimed at encouraging more people into the sport and giving cyclists a venue to hone their skills.

According to the Visit Middlesbrough website, the circuit, which is located at Prissic and will be fenced off and lit by street lighting, will be equipped with a tarmac track six metres wide, for most of its length, increasing to eight metres on the home straight. It is intended for both casual use and booking by clubs, and besides the clubhouse will also have storage facilities.

The project has received backing from local residents, and Brenda Thompson, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Public Health and Sport, commented: “It is extremely exciting that Middlesbrough Cycle Circuit is nearing completion.

“It will be a wonderful facility for use by cyclists of all abilities and will really contribute to helping make the people of Middlesbrough enjoy cycling and getting healthier and more active.

Councillor Thompson continued: “This project has been a very successful partnership and will be a great physical legacy for the Middlesbrough Healthy Town programme,” under which the Teeside town secured £9 million of funding in December 2008 to promote active and healthy lifestyles.

“I can’t wait to see cyclists using it on March 15,” she added.

Ian Drake, Chief Executive of British Cycling, added: “The new facility at Prissick represents a major development in our efforts to bring excellent modern cycling facilities to local communities across Britain at a time when cycling is booming and the demand for venues to enjoy the sport is higher than ever before.”

You can see other pictures of the construction of the circuit, including the laying of the track, on Middlesbrough Council’s photostream on Flickr.