BMX centre gets �8m funding boost

The BMX centre will also be open to the community

A national indoor BMX centre will be built alongside Manchester's velodrome, home to Britain's cycling team, after an injection of funding.

The North West Development Agency (NWDA) has agreed to put £8m towards the £19m cost of the project.

It means work on building the 2,000 seat arena and track, which already has planning permission, can now go ahead.

More than 200 jobs will be based at the site, making British Cycling one of the biggest employers in the area.

As well as the arena, the building will include the headquarters of British Cycling and will be linked to the existing velodrome.

The BMX centre is expected to attract more than 20,000 spectators every year, an estimated 120,000 users and between 10 and 12 events.

Community facility

Officials hope the new development will attract cycling and performance enhancement technology firms into the area.

Ian Drake, CEO of British Cycling, said: "We are delighted that all funding has now been approved for this tremendous project.

"The National Indoor BMX Centre will be a fantastic venue for the GB Cycling Team and will aid our preparations for London 2012.

"As a community facility, it will also offer local youngsters a rare opportunity to train alongside British BMX stars, inspiring future generations of riders and growing the discipline at grass roots."

Manchester City Council has already granted £8.55m towards the cost of the project and Sport England has pledged £3m.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version