Trust submitting a velodrome solution to Council
The Regional Velodrome Development Trust (RVDT) plans to submit to the Whanganui District Council that while they want to see Whanganui’s existing velodrome covered, it does not agree with any of the three options presented in the WDC Draft Long Term Plan.
Instead, the trust proposes a reduced option which will still enable use of the centre for local, national and international cycling events, recreational activities and other sports and activities.
The trust’s submission will provide details of two options which could be considered by council, with costs ranging from $21.95 m to $25.6 m.
The council says the cost of its preferred option ranges from $18 to $22 million. The Trust does not agree that a “fit for purpose” solution which enables the range of use required can be provided for this cost range, and believes it is worth considering the additional investment to achieve this.
The Challenge
Whanganui has a world class velodrome. Built in 1995 to full international standards, it features a stunning, tropical hardwood surface, regarded as the fastest in the country. This surface is now becoming weathered and needs to be protected if it is to survive. In addition, being exposed to the elements, it is difficult to host major events at the track due to the potential of weather disruption.
The Solution
Roof the Velodrome. A revolutionary design has been proposed by Copeland Associates, which will provide a cost-effective solution to this long standing problem. A breathtaking dome structure, using membrane technology similar to London’s O2 Dome, would provide New Zealand’s largest single span roofed space and deliver protection for our wonderful velodrome at a fraction of the cost of a traditional roof.
Stepping Up for our Region
Invest in the future of the velodrome
have pride in your Regional Velodrome in Whanganui.
“Protect the Asset”
Velo5000 Club Sponsor – Tony Hodge.
“I believe in it, I think it’s fantastic, I think it’ll be wonderful for Whanganui, it’s going to be great for the region. The really positive thing is so many people have come together from around the region to support it, including the Mayor of Palmerston North and Cycling NZ”.
The Olympian, Councillor, Mayor and the public: Hear what they’ve just said on the velodrome
Radio New Zealand has broadcast this report by Robin Martin, its Taranaki-Whanganui reporter, on the future of the Whanganui velodrome. In this he interviews Olympic and Commonwealth medal-winning cyclist Gary Anderson (pictured), Regional Velodrome Development Trust...
Trust submitting a velodrome solution to Council
Media release Regional Velodrome Development Trust 12 April 2021 Trust submitting a velodrome solution to Council The Regional Velodrome Development Trust (RVDT) plans to submit to the Whanganui District Council that while they want to see Whanganui’s existing...
Naenae: another superb example of using a membrane roof
Here are some images of the superb membrane roof developed at Naenae Regional Bowling Club, Lower Hutt. A long-life, tensile membrane roof is proposed in the advanced Copeland Architects' design for a fully-covered, all-weather...
Cycling New Zealand is totally committed to the benefits that roofing the Regional Velodrome in Whanganui will bring to New Zealand Cycling at every level and support the Regional Velodrome Roofing Group unconditionally.
The fully developed velodrome will be a centre piece in Cycling New Zealand’s Cycling Performance Hubs.
Wanganui is one of the track designs I am really proud of.
I went away from the old-fashioned long straights and tight curves and produced a design with long sweeping curves. It was a break with the past.