The Velodrome at the National Cycling Centre reopened this weekend after £27 million of works to improve its facilities and green credentials – becoming the UK’s first all-electric Velodrome.
The move is part of the Council’s programme to cut carbon emissions from its buildings, contributing towards the wider drive for Manchester to become zero carbon by 2038 or earlier.
Sustainability has been at the heart of the Velodrome’s refurbishment and there have been a number of other green energy technologies implemented to reduce the centers overall carbon footprint. With the use of heat recovery systems, as well as a new Air Source Heat Pump , and solar panels, the centre is expected to save up to 517 tonnes of carbon emissions per year.
The National Cycling Centre is part of a network of world-class sporting facilities that showcase the Council’s commitment to sport and health. Cyclists who practice in the facility will also be able to benefit from new fresh air ventilation systems, which create a more comfortable environment for riders. This means riders can reach their optimum training levels and enjoy riding the Velodrome regardless of their ability.
Local community benefits
The Council also hope that with the investment into sporting facilities, residents will be encouraged to lead healthier lifestyles, and look after their physical and mental wellbeing. In recent months, the Manchester Aquatics Centre was upgraded and, other leisure centers across the city are benefitting from investment to ensure that residents have access to the latest and advanced facilities.
The facility will additionally return as the home of local clubs, who host training and competition programs from the site. Through a wide-ranging, accessible Velodrome, BMX, MTB and multi-sport programme, the facility will connect communities and residents of all ages and abilities to a local world class offer.
The current programme caters for every ability level from toddler to elite with over 50+ coached sessions across the BMX and Velodrome Track each week. There’s a wide range of sessions for the community including toddlers gaining their confidence on Balance Bikes. Women Only, Learn 2 Ride and cycling sessions for all ages who have additional needs making cycling accessible for everyone, the National Cycling Centre is committed to ensuring that its world class facilities are available to all.
In addition, multiple sports are played throughout the week on the centre court within the Velodrome track. This ranges from Badminton, Futsal, Netball, Korfball and many more. A range of community groups access these facilities on a weekly basis and are enjoying their return to the centre following the refurbishment project.
This latest investment ensures the complete protection of all existing programmes, classes and services, delivers essential upgrades to all areas of the Velodrome and secures its place as the preeminent Velodrome in the UK for the next 20 years, as both the spiritual and physical home of the National Governing Body ‘British Cycling’, and the Great British Cycling Team as well as being the UK’s first-all electric Velodrome.
The reopening of the Velodrome and the NCC comes shortly after Manchester City Council has formally submitted a bid on behalf of the city of Manchester to become the ACES European Capital of Cycling for 2024. This bid is the culmination of years of work which has seen a hugely ambitious expansion of cycling in both Manchester as well as the entire Greater Manchester region.
In September the city will welcome a delegation from ACES Europe, who will decide the winning bid to become the Capital of Cycling, to meet with city partners and set out the city’s ambitions to become a great cycling city.
