Birmingham Velodrome goes a step further with independent business case study

The long-standing dream of a velodrome in Birmingham has come a step closer with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) commissioning an independent study to examine the business case for a cycling center for the region.

The study will look at four options for the West Midlands: a purpose-built indoor velodrome, a mixed-use development to include a velodrome, an outdoor cycle park or a temporary cover on the existing outdoor velodromes in Wolverhampton and Halesowen.

Andy Street, the mayor of the West Midlands, who is also president of the WMCA, said a cycling project would be “another example of an enduring sporting legacy in the region”.

“There has been a lot of campaigning on this issue for a number of years and in my manifesto I record my support for a velodrome here in the West Midlands,” he said in a statement.

“If the business case is one of support, we will fully commit to the process of finally realizing cycling facilities that will be open, inclusive and accessible to the community, not just to grow and support sporting talent in the region.”

A “Cycling Facilities Advisory Group” has been established for the purpose of the study. It is chaired by West Midlands Walking and Cycling Commissioner Adam Tranter and is made up of local authorities, Sport England, British Cycling and community representatives including David Viner who has led the campaign to build a competition standard velodrome . in the region for many years.

The group will share its findings with the WMCA by the end of 2023. The press release notes that if the business case is to be made for specialist cycling facilities, separate site feasibility studies and external funding will be required to make any proposals.

Tranter said he wanted a “place for everyone.”

“We want to take a hard look at the cycling facility opportunities for the region after the Commonwealth Games,” he said. “This is not just looking at a facility for elite use; the potential exists to create a place for all, a facility that is truly inclusive and accessible in design and in its delivery.

“I am pleased to convene all major stakeholders on behalf of the mayor, especially the community representatives on board to inform this work and help us make future decisions.”

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