Stockport’s popular BMX track has secured Olympic legacy funding from Sport England’s ‘Inspired Facilities’ fund.
The BMX track in Bruntwood Park in Cheadle will be upgraded to competition standard in a major project which also includes improved facilities, new coaching sessions, a BMX Club, and bike hire with improved routes into and through the park.
The £303,610 cost is being met by Sport England funding and funds from S106 Planning Agreements and Stockport Council’s Formal Sports Sums.
Sport England today revealed that more than 1,000 local sports projects across the country received National Lottery funding through Inspired Facilities which is part of the £150m ‘Places People Play’ legacy programme. Every sports facility receiving funding will carry the London 2012 Inspire mark – celebrating the link to the Games.
All providers of sport in Stockport were invited to submit expressions of interest for inclusion in Stockport Council’s bid. The Council’s Greenspace Team worked with several partners – including Life Leisure, North West Mountain Bike Centre, British Cycling and other Council teams – to submit the successful bid. The project is also financially supported by The North West Mountain Bike Centre.
Over 400 people responded positively to the consultation last year via the Council website, school and park surveys, a Facebook page, and standpoints.
The BMX track improvements are set to be completed by the summer.
Councillor Kevin Hogg, Executive Member for the Public Realm, said: “The funding award is excellent news. I would like to thank all those involved in the bidding process for their hard work. The improved track will not only attract more BMX enthusiasts, but also people who are new to this exciting sport.
“During the consultation, there was so much enthusiasm and buzz for the BMX bike scheme around the success of the Olympics. People said it was a great idea which tapped into the current love for cycling and was something for all the family to do within the park.”
Sport England’s Chair, Richard Lewis, added: “The National Lottery investment is helping us deliver a lasting sporting legacy in Stockport from the successful Olympic and Paralympic Games. With so many clubs in Greater Manchester having benefitted from this fund and building on the success of last summer, this is the legacy people want for their local community.”