The Velodrome at the National Cycling Centre reopens after £27m refurbishment

All areas of the National Cycling Centre have benefitted from the major investment from Manchester City Council, Sport England and Central Government.

The National Cycling Centre (NCC) now boasts more modern, efficient, and sustainable features which will support local pathways to participation at all levels from community to elite cycling programmes. The NCC also plays a big part in the city’s busy leisure calendar and is a site where many local community groups train.

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.

The Velodrome’s refurbishment has seen a number of green energy technologies implemented to reduce the centre’s 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.

Cyclists who practise 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.

The Council also hopes 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 centres 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.

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.

Councillor John Hacking, Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure, commented: “The National Cycling Centre has been an unmistakable part of the city’s sporting skyline since Manchester hosted the successful Commonwealth Games in 2002 and, it is great to welcome back the jewel in the city’s crown of world-class sporting facilities.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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