St Kilda Cycling Club (SKCC) is one of Australia's most dynamic cycling clubs however with major works and growth their usual riding courses are becoming increasingly dangerous. A not-for-profit association, SKCC provides high quality racing and social activities that encourage and engage cyclists of all ages, abilities and demographics.
The inclusive, community focussed ethos of the SKCC make it a natural fit for Lord Somers Camp and Power House, who as part of the Albert Park Master Plan use their community hub at Albert Park as a base for many community programs, as well as to provide a home for rowing, theatre, functions and other recreational groups that collectively improve the health and wellbeing for all Victorians.
Through collaboration with Lord Somers Camp & Power House, Parks Victoria and Grand Prix Australia works are now underway to provide a safe riding criterium circuit to start and finish from the Power House building on Lakeside Drive, Albert Park. SKCC and many other groups are set to benefit from major community infrastructure refurbishment works also planned and required for Power House, and support for this is demonstrated by the commonwealth governments commitment of $5m together with philanthropy commitments growing towards the project.
In the cycling club's 21-year history there has never been a physical space to call "home" for storage facilities or community membership engagement. Operating from make-shift shipping containers in Port Melbourne and local cafes or pubs, the club has built to a significant level of operations through regular training rides and racing. Discussions have progressed very well with Power House on Lakeside Drive, Albert Park to integrate the cycling club within the proposed $19.6m refurbishment of the community health and wellbeing facility, in line with the Albert Park Master Plan.
Tim Ryan, CEO of Power House says "In a year like we've had, providing opportunities for people to support their mental health, meaningful fitness and community connection in a safe way is key and Power House is excited to be supporting St Kilda Cycling Club and many other groups to achieve this."
Parks Victoria; who manage Albert Park, have provided strong and positive collaborative support towards proposed safe traffic management solutions to allow learn to ride and cycling race events. Furthermore, the proposed $19.6m refurbishment plans at Power House, facilitated by a new 35+ year lease approved by the Parks Victoria, will include ride and shower facilities, that will provide much needed support to SKCC and the wider cycling community, in turn strengthening health and wellbeing for many Victorians.
Lewis Fulcher, President of St Kilda Cycling Club says "The community redevelopment of Power House facilities along with the resurfacing and traffic management system within Albert Park will make Lakeside Drive the best cycling precinct in Australia. It is very exciting to know that this redevelopment will offer opportunities from beginners pushing the pedals for the first time to seasoned Olympic and Tour de France athletes."
In a year that is more critical than ever before to provide safe and accessible access to modes of transport that support health, community connection & fun, we are celebrating this collaboration with photo opportunities with members of St Kilda Cycling Club and the Federal Government and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation.
