The region formally launched its bid to be the home of the North Island’s only indoor cycling velodrome today. The Unison Velodrome will be sited at the regional Sports Park. Several regions have expressed interest and SPARC is managing the process to determine which region is best suited to provide the facility. Only one region will receive government funding.
“Today we are officially lodging our expression of interest,” says Sports Park Trust Chair Lawrence Yule. “The decision making process is lengthy and won’t be concluded until April 2011,” he says.
The region is home to New Zealand’s second and fourth largest road cycling clubs (Ramblers and CHB cycling) and Hawke’s Bay Mountain Biking is easily the largest in New Zealand. The region’s bid has received strong endorsement from its local authorities including $2.5million from the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.
Regional Council Chair Alan Dick said his Council’s contribution was a good investment. “The velodrome will attract people from all over the North Island and is a major asset for Hawke’s Bay,” he says. Hastings District Council, which is the Sports Park’s main funder, is contributing $1.79m to the velodrome. It is anticipated the velodrome will have a $15m plus price tag.
Approximately two thirds of this funding is coming from non-ratepayer sources including central government and funds raised by the Sports Park Trust.
For more information contact: Lawrence Yule Ph: 0272 496206
