Work to start on new Leicester velodrome

Work is set to begin on Leicester's new velodrome next month. The velodrome is an integral part of the plans for the new Beaumont sports complex adjacent to Beaumont Leys leisure centre, and the proposed complex will include a motorbike speedway stadium for the Leicester Lions and a state of the art 5-a-side football facility.

And not only will it house a brand new velodrome, but also a national standard BMX track; with 2012 moving closer by the day and BMX sitting alongside track cycling as an Olympic sport, the complex will provide fantastic opportunities for the youth of Leicester and Leicestershire as well as providing a brilliant new facility for cyclists from all over the East Midlands.

Plans for the £4.5m sports complex stadium next month were formally approved by the city council last month formally approved plans for the sports complex.

Once formal agreements about the leasing of the land have been signed, builders should be moving on to the Bennion Road site by mid-October, Beaumont Sports Complex said. If building work goes to plan the football pitches and speedway track should be completed by the start of March, with the other facilities finished next autumn.

Leicestershire resident Gary Coltman, who won eight British National titles and now heads up Cycling's World Class Olympic Talent Programme said when plans for the velodrome were unveiled: “We are delighted at the prospect of this new facility being part of the Beaumont Sports Complex that will provide the infrastructure that a facility of this stature will require.

“Geographically it is perfect with great transport links for visitors from across the region as well as being situated very close to the National Cycle Network and providing opportunities for other types of cycling at the complex.”

Leicestershire has seen a boost in cycling after 8000 riders turned up to take part in the Leicester Skyride last month, with regular guided cycle rides being proposed by Leicester City Council.

Councillor Ross Willmott, leader of Leicester City Council said: "Skyride showed there is a whole new generation of cyclists. We hope to develop this further and make cycling an everyday part of life for more people. We have many fantastic and safe cycling routes and it is about helping people get the confidence to cycle on them and on our roads."