Council has supported a staged upgrade for Darwin's velodrome with priorities identified by Cycling NT and Triathlon NT.
The first stage of works details a 250m Velodrome track upgrade with 30-35 degree banks, concrete with safety fencing. This stage also includes the bike skills area, lights for the velodrome track and developing the concept design for the pump track.
Acting Lord Mayor Andrew Arthur is pleased to be able to move forward with the Velodrome Upgrade.
"This is a much needed upgrade to provide improved facilities for community use and opportunities for the sport of cycling to grow in Darwin. A mixed use Velodrome Precinct benefits all recreational cyclists," said the Acting Lord Mayor.
"It's great to have Cycling NT and Triathlon NT on board for this staged plan for the Velodrome upgrade. We can now get on with finalising the detailed design for the lighting, amenities, storage and competitor staging areas of the Velodrome and the community consultation for the three additional elements."
The three additional elements proposed by Cycling NT and Triathlon NT to create a cycling precinct at Bagot Oval are a bike skills area, bicycle pathway / criterium track and pump track .
"Cycling NT thanks the City of Darwin and Triathlon NT for the collaborative process undertaken to develop the cycling precinct masterplan. There will be many positive benefits to the Darwin Cycling Club as well as the broader community with these cycling assets," said Chairperson Cycling NT, Ben Kaethner
"The Darwin Cycling Club is very happy with the commitment from Council to develop the Velodrome. The standard of the new Velodrome will provide the Darwin Cycling Club with the opportunity to grow the sport of track cycling in Darwin and the NT," said President of Darwin Cycling Club, Stuart Crompton
"We are ecstatic with the news that City of Darwin has approved, in principle, the Velodrome Precinct plans. We believed that the initial designs were limited, but the expansion of the project to include, especially, the Bike Skills Area and Pump Track, are crucial components to engage the wider community and encourage a healthy society. We'd like to thank everyone involved in the process and we look forward to seeing the vision become a reality and the precinct attracting kids from all over Darwin to improve their cycling skills; from learning to ride a bike, to becoming the next Anna Meares or Emma Snowsill," said Aaron McMahon, Triathlon NT
"Council will start the community engagement process regarding the additional elements proposed to form the Velodrome Precinct early in the new year," added the Acting Lord Mayor
A report will go to Council with the findings from the community consultation and the outcome of the funding application to the Building Better Regions Fund to determine the final scope of works to go out to tender.
The staged upgrade of the Velodrome is subject to funding and community consultation outcomes.
Northern Territory Government has provided $2.5M for the velodrome upgrade. Additional funding will be required to deliver the staged upgrade.
