Commonwealth Games velodrome talks welcomed after 5,500 people back petition
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street has committed to holding talks over plans for a velodrome as part of the legacy of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
But he admitted funding for the indoor track would not come from the games' budget as cash had already been allocated.
More than 5,500 people have signed a petition calling for a velodrome to be built in the West Midlands to boost participation and interest in cycling.
However their attempts to have a velodrome built were thwarted when Birmingham games organisers announced plans to hold events at the London Olympic track instead.
Campaigners David Viner, of Halesowen Athletic and Cycling Club, and Charlie Dickens, have persisted in their bid after claims a full feasibility study into the proposals for a Birmingham track were not realised.
The pair say that if track events are not held at a purpose-built in West Midlands during the games then a 'training' stadium should be created instead to allow competitors to prepare ahead of the competition.
This would then be used by local club teams and up-and-coming riders in the future.
In a response to their campaign, Mr Street wrote an open statement to the pair, saying: "The Commonwealth Games present a tremendous opportunity for the region, and like my colleagues on the Strategic Board I am determined that the Games leaves a decisive legacy for citizens of the West Midlands.
"Cycling is no exception, and at the recent “Ask Andy” in Wolverhampton, we discussed various ideas as to what this could involve.
"As you’ll know, this is not an individual decision, indeed many of the practical matters you propose are for the Organising Committee, chaired by John Crabtree.
"I shall therefore discuss your proposals with John and ensure you receive an appropriate reply.
"As to the capital plan for a “training” velodrome, I would of course be very keen to see this happen but we have to have the funding to make this happen.
"Being honest, this will not be funded from the existing Commonwealth Games budget, which is fully committed.
"It would have to be funded separately; something which as yet I do not see forthcoming.
"I will, though, commit to discussing this with Board colleagues, and will revert to you further in the New Year."
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Following Mr Street's response the campaigners have started work on a formal business case to boost their bid further.
Mr Viner and Mr Dickens held a meeting late last month with Neil Carney, the project director of Birmingham 2022, and an expert velodrome architect to discuss their ambitions.
In a statement they said: "We put forward the case for a 200m velodrome which would provide an excellent training and development centre in the most cost-effective way as well as incorporating multi-sports facilities in the track centre.
"It was generally agreed that a formal business case analysis would be desirable and this will be our ambition for the new year.
"We are reassured that a number of local organisations have agreed in principle that they will make use of the velodrome and provide revenue.
"We felt that our ambitions for a velodrome were listened to and are optimistic of having further dialogue.
"We wish to record our thanks to Mr Carney and his team for their interest and positive outlook."
