British Cycling and the Dulwich Estate are close to agreeing a 15-year lease to secure the future of Herne Hill Velodrome, according to British Cycling chief Ian Drake.
Built in 1891, the velodrome’s future was thrown into doubt due to a lack of funding, prompting the Save the Herne Hill Velodrome campaign, supported by four-time Olympic gold medallist Bradley Wiggins, to take action in September 2010.
But last month, British Cycling and the Dulwich Estate, who own the velodrome’s land, outlined the terms of the long-term lease, which is expected to be signed in the coming weeks.
British Cycling, who will manage the velodrome’s regeneration, has funds in place to resurface the track, says Drake.
Resurfacing work at the last remaining finals venue from the 1948 Olympic Games is expected to take place in the summer, lasting approximately four weeks.
“We are delighted that the lease is nearly signed and that we’ll soon be in a position to resurface the track,” said Drake.
“Talks with the Dulwich Estate are progressing well and as each day goes by we are getting closer to the site being transferred to the Herne Hill Velodrome Trust.
“We are fully committed to supporting the Save the Velodrome campaign which can now focus its efforts on raising funds for a new pavilion.
“A lot of work still remains to be done but we are, however, optimistic that the future of Herne Hill Velodrome will be secured for the benefit of cycling in the capital and to help develop the next generation of Olympic champions.”
