The Team

Meet the people behind the Regional Velodrome Development Trust.

Leigh Grant

The velodrome roofing project is a vision that is well overdue

“I’m passionate about Wanganui and it’s ability to host events, tourism and sporting fixtures. The velodrome roofing project is a vision that is well overdue and I believe the time is right for action! Our 4 man team is very focused on achieving the completion of this roof, which in turn will be a catalyst to build the capability of this amazing regional facility”.

A Bit of History:

• Retired from the Telecommunications industry 1963-2015.
• Retired Chairman for the New Zealand Masters Games, Wanganui franchise.
• Past Director for the New Zealand Masters Games Company & member of the team to attract the World Masters Games to New Zealand.
• Trustee, Wanganui Events Trust & assistant Facilities Manager, Cooks Gardens, Wanganui.

Bob Smith

The time is right

Civil Engineer, recently retired from Opus International Consultants ( March 2016) after 50 year’s service, 44 years spent working in Palmerston North and Wanganui.

As Manager of the Wanganui Branch of Opus in the mid 1990’s Bob recognised the potential for the velodrome if it were covered, to become a cycling, sporting and events centre for the lower North Island region. At the time it was the only international standard velodrome in the country and the forerunner of the modern velodromes. He spearheaded a proposal by Opus to source funding for the project. This was rejected by Council.

He became involved in two further unsuccessful proposals to roof the velodrome.

At the centre of Bob’s vision is his belief that this project would be a catalyst for growing Wanganui. This is probably our last chance to achieve this vision. The time is right.