CELEBRATIONS were held as Wychavon District Council’s new £2million cycling hub was opened to the public.
Evesham VeloPark, based on the site of Evesham United FC off Cheltenham Road, was officially opened at the end of October but until recently has only been available for club bookings while systems and software were tested.
Anyone can now book online to use the park which includes a 1km closed road circuit and a pump track with a unique mogul area. There is also a learn-to-ride area with street markings to help children and adults build confidence before heading out onto a real road.
Hourly slots cost between £4.50 for juniors and over 65s and £5.50 for adults, while the learn-to-ride track is free when not being used for lessons. The park can also be hired by clubs and for private events. Visitors need to bring their own bikes and helmets must be worn.
Before booking, users will need to register, which is easy and free, through the Evesham VeloPark website. They can then choose the track they want to book, the date and the timeslot. They will then be sent a unique code they can use to access the track.
The project was part-funded by a £500,000 grant from Sport England and British Cycling with the rest coming from section 106 sports infrastructure funding. This is money provided by housing developers to provide new sports facilities in Evesham.
Evesham United will look after the day-to-day management of the facility and has supported Wychavon to deliver the project along with a steering group made up of local cycling groups and British Cycling. All money made from the hire of the park will be ring-fenced to pay for its maintenance and upkeep.
Coun Bradley Thomas, leader of Wychavon District Council, said: “Evesham VeloPark is a win-win for everyone. Not only is it an investment to help our residents improve their health and wellbeing, but it will also attract people from far and wide, who I hope will stay to explore the town and all our beautiful district has to offer.”
