A new cycling centre is to open in Kent in 2012, featuring a road circuit, mountain bike trails, BMX race track and recreational cycling paths.

Cyclopark will include a 2.9km long, 6m wide Tarmac road racing track which, with additional funding, can be increased to 5.3km.

The centre, which will be built next to the A2 between Dartford and Gravesend, will also have a 340m BMX track and 6km of mountain bike trails.

The construction contract has this week been awarded to VolkerFitzpatrick; work will begin in January and is expected to take 10 months, with Cyclopark set to open its doors in spring 2012.  

“It’s going to provide all sorts of facilities for everyone from professional sportsmen and women to the average person living nearby who just wants to go for a cycle ride,” said Kent Thameside Regeneration Partnership spokeswoman Hilary Castle.

“We’re hoping to be open by the end of 2011 but at the latest we’ll be open by March 2012.”

British Cycling CEO Ian Drake added: “The plans for the Cyclopark venue look fantastic. It’s a perfect example of the continued efforts we’re making, together with Sport England, to create excellent modern cycling facilities across the UK.

“The new velopark here will offer people of all ages and abilities an opportunity to enjoy cycling in a safe, controlled and traffic-free environment, supporting the growth of our sport at the grassroots and helping us develop future cycling stars.”

Head to www.cyclopark.com to see the full plans.