Work to start on resurfacing Herne Hill Velodrome track, says British Cycling

British Cycling has revealed that work will start soon to resurface the track at South London’s historic Herne Hill velodrome. The governing body has released funds to enable work to commence after agreeing terms for a 15-year lease with the velodrome’s landlords, The Dulwich Estate.

British Cycling's former CEO Peter King, who is a trustee of the Herne Hill Velodrome Trust, and the organisation’s Policy and Legal Affairs Director, Martin Gibbs, both attended a public meeting in Dulwich last week where they confirmed that the terms of the lease had been agreed.

Resurfacing work is scheduled to take four weeks to complete during the summer with the project overseen by British Cycling's National Facilities Manager, David Cockram.

Meanwhile, the Save The Velodrome campaign, which earlier this year published a feasibility study for the redevelopment of the site commissioned from the same architects involved in the London 2012 velodrome, is seeking funds to start putting those plans into action.

Ian Drake, British Cycling's CEO, commented: "We are delighted that the lease is nearly signed and British Cycling is now in a position to resurface the track. This should give a real boost to the Save the Velodrome campaign and they can now focus on raising funds for a new pavilion.”

He continued: “A lot of work still remains to be done but we are optimistic that the future of Herne Hill Velodrome will be secured for the benefit of cycling in the capital and to help develop the next generation of Olympic champions."

Herne Hill is the last remaining venue from the 1948 Olympics, and is also where three-time Olympic gold medalist Bradley Wiggins got his start in track racing.

The high profile Save The Velodrome campaign has attracted the support of London 2012 boss Lord Coe, local MP Tessa Jowell and celebrities living nearby such as comedian Jenny Eclair and actor James Nesbitt, as well as the cyclists of all ages who use the facility.