Bournemouth Cycling Centre

Construction of the new Bournemouth Cycling Centre at Slades Farm is now complete.

On this page we kept you up to date with the progress of the construction works taking place. The track opened in June 2011.

You can find out more information about the track and how to book a session on the track by visiting the official Bournemouth Cycling Centre| website, run by the Bournemouth Arrows Cycling Club. 

Frequently asked questions

We've compiled a Q&A which we hope will answer any questions you may have about the project. If any of your questions are unanswered please telephone 01202 451629 or email us at parks@bournemouth.gov.uk|.  

 

Why are we building a cycle track in Bournemouth?|

How big will it be?|

When did construction begin?|

When will the track be completed?|

What will the cycle track be made of?|

How much is it costing and who is paying for it?|

Is it just for professional cyclists or will anyone be able to use it?|

Will schools be able to use the track?|

Will I have to pay to use the cycle track?|

Will I need to book to use the cycle track?|

Will floodlights be installed?|

Will there be a café and toilet facilities at the track?|

Will I still be able to use Slades Farm for other activities?|

Can I see more photos of the cycle track?|

  

Why are we building a cycle track in Bournemouth?

We are developing a 250m Olympic sized outdoor tarmac cycle track for community use and competitive cycling at Slades Farm open space. The cycle track is needed for the development of competitive cycling and to encourage more participation in cycling and other wheeled sports, improving the health and wellbeing of the community.

British Cycling|, the internationally recognised governing body of cycle sport in the UK, has identified the regional need for a cycle track in Bournemouth to serve Dorset and the New Forest since the nearest equivalent facilities are in Portsmouth.

 

How big will it be?

The cycle track will be around 145m from one end to the other – about the size of a football pitch. The actual track will be 250m all the way round and 85m wide. The highest point of the cycle track bank will be approximately five metres.

 

When did construction begin?

Raymond Brown Ltd| was appointed to construct the cycle track and begun work on site in September 2010.

 

When will the track be completed?

Work is due to be completed and the facility opened at the end of May 2011.

 

What will the cycle track be made of?

The banking will be constructed using recycled materials sourced from Raymond Brown’s recycling facility in Hampshire. The track surface will be porous macadam.

 

How much is it costing and who is paying for it?

The estimated cost of the cycle track will be around £800,000. British Cycling, the governing body of cycle sport in the UK, has awarded the Council up to £400,000 towards the project and the rest of the funding is coming from housing development contributions (Section 106 monies) and the Council.

 

Is it just for professional cyclists or will anyone be able to use it?

The cycle track will be for people of all ages and abilities – from those who are learning to ride to those who want to cycle for exercise and for those who want to race. The cycle track could also be used for in-line skating and running and the open space area will be available for general public use at all times other than when cycle training sessions and racing are taking place. The central area will be dog-free.

 

Will schools be able to use the track?

Yes. We will be encouraging schools to use the cycle track. Glenmoor School and Winton Arts and Media College are already keen to use the facility.

 

Will I have to pay to use the cycle track?

For informal use the track will be free to use. If you want to use it for a competitive event or formal session and have exclusive use of the track (either as an individual or club) there will be a charge. The Bournemouth Cycling Centre| website has information on charges.

 

Will I need to book to use the cycle track?

You will need to book the track for formal sessions for both individuals and groups. You can do this via the Bournemouth Cycling Centre| website.

 

Will floodlights be installed?

No, but future plans for the open space will mean a lighting strategy is produced and pedestrian style lighting (like around the skate park) will be erected.

 

Will there be a café and toilet facilities at the track?

Yes, in the future. In addition to building a cycle track the plan for Slades Farm identifies the need for a new café with toilets. Initially, toilet provision to serve the cycle track will be provided from the existing sports pavilion. 

 

Will I still be able to use Slades Farm for other activities?

Yes, the cycle track will be a valuable addition to the park. There will still be plenty of open space for dog walking and other leisure activities and the cycle track will be accessible for casual use at all times when it is not being used for training or racing sessions.

 

Can I see more photos of the cycle track?

An album of photos taken throughout the construction project are available to view on the Council's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/bournemouthbc|  

 

 

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