A public consultation is under way for the proposed development of the International Sports Village (ISV) in Cardiff Bay – including controversial plans to relocate the historic Maindy Velodrome that is set to be demolished.
On December 20 Cardiff Council launched a six-week public survey inviting members of the public to respond to the Cardiff ISV Masterplan by midnight of February 17.
The proposals start with the delivery of a "central cycling hub of modern, fit-for-purpose, complementary sports facilities, including a new velodrome, an off-road bike track and closed road circuit" scheduled to be delivered either this year or next year.
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Meanwhile, in early December, a planning application was submitted for the new 333M outdoor velodrome along with a clubhouse and stand.
The consultation period for the application opened on December 21 and members of the public have until Thursday, January 13, to comment on the proposals.
The council entered a contract with Greenbank in 2012 to redevelop the International Sports Village. The first phase of the plans involved building the Ice Arena Wales, which was completed in 2016, and also building an indoor ski slope, which has since been shelved.
In the latest phase of the redevelopment the current cycle track by the Maindy Leisure Centre, off North Road and Crown Way, is set to be knocked down to make room for the expansion of Cathays High School, which has been approved by the council's cabinet following a public consultation process, with a replacement track built in Cardiff Bay.
The historic velodrome was built in 1951 and hosted the 1958 Commonwealth Games. It has been the home of several Olympians including hurdling athlete Colin Jackson and Geraint Thomas, world champion and winner of the 2018 Tour de France.
Plans to demolish it have drawn criticism from campaign group 'Save the Maindy Velodrome', who have been supported by Thomas along with Sir Chris Hoy.
Campaigners have accused the council of "needlessly" channelling millions in education funds to develop the sports village. They claim there has been "almost universal opposition" to the plans and that the council has not adequately consulted with the local community.
But Cardiff council said it would be impossible to keep the cycle track while simultaneously expanding the school, which does not fit 21st century school sizing standards, and retaining the existing level of community space.
Not all users of Maindy velodrome are against plans however. Deian Jones, chair of Maindy Flyers CC, said that while they are "obviously disappointed" with the loss of the existing velodrome the Maindy Flyers support the new cycle offer at the sports village proposed by the council.
"The combination of a closed-road circuit and new velodrome with off-track changing, storage, and socialising space has the potential to create a world-class cycling hub of which Cardiff can be proud," she said.
Jake Bailey, chair of Cardiff Ajax Cycling Club, said: "Maindy Velodrome has been an important feature of cycling in Cardiff for the past 70 years. The cycling community now has a unique opportunity to build new cycling infrastructure that will take us through the next 70 years. This is a once in a lifetime chance to create a home for cycling in the city of Cardiff."
The short survey on the latest phase of the ISV development includes questions on:
- the relocation of Maindy velodrome
- additional facilities you would like to see in the International Sports Village
- facilities you would like to see at the velodrome
- which of the proposed new facilities of the new sports village you are likely to use
- how you travel to the sports village and would travel to the proposed new facilities
Council cabinet member for culture and leisure, Cllr Peter Bradbury, said: "Our plans to develop the International Sports Village form an integral part of the council's commitment to delivering a world-class sporting facility and a sustainable, accessible, and inclusive leisure destination for everyone to enjoy.
"This survey is very important in helping us shape the specifications for the sports village, starting with the development of a new velodrome, an off-road bike track and closed road circuit."
There are so far 25 public comments – 22 objections, two in support, and one neutral – under the planning application of the new velodrome, which you can view here.
Concerns include the size of the new track, its distance from the original site, the loss of green space in Cathays, and the environmental impact of demolishing the old track.
Rhiannon Wilde wrote: "The current location of the Maindy Velodrome offers great access for many school-age children and families with the site being within easy walking/cycling distance for so many young children and adults.
"There are many schools within a mile of the current site along with many university aged students living in the location. The idea that people will walk/cycle or use public transport to the new location in the Bay is absurd!
"I have two young children that enjoy using their bikes and learnt to ride them at Maindy. If I was to catch a bus to the sports village with their bikes it would take us between 45-50 minutes."
The council has previously countered the claim that the new velodrome in Cardiff Bay will be less accessible to existing users. It said that it the majority of bookings at Maindy see riders arriving by car, public transport, or road bike and there is "no evidence that this will change" with the development.
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