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A number of improvements have been confirmed at Lee Valley VeloPark as the venue looks to cement its status as a “world class” venue.
Following the opening of Lee Valley VeloPark’s gym, work will shortly start on a new track barrier and meeting rooms overlooking the track.
The perspex barrier around the perimeter of the velodrome track and two meeting rooms will close out £750,000 of improvements which will be completed by the end of August.
The 1.4 metre-high barrier is a UK-first for an existing velodrome and is believed to be only the third of its kind in the world to be retrofitted, while the two new meeting rooms will offer track side views.
Lee Valley VeloPark’s new gym opened in early May and already has more than 2,000 members using its indoor and outdoor facilities, which have views of the venue’s one mile road circuit.
This £250,000 barrier project is the latest major investment by owners Lee Valley Regional Park Authority at the venue.
It follows £845,000 of LED lights installed in 2022, and will see Lee Valley VeloPark incorporating a high specification barrier which is being installed in new velodromes around the world, along with two existing European velodromes, as well as new meeting rooms and a state-of-the-art gym.
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) was consulted in the design process of the new barrier, which will enhance the spectator experience, solving historical problems of restricted sightlines in some trackside seats and improve rider and spectator safety.
Spectators will experience better visibility through the transparent screen at lower levels than currently possible.
Lee Valley VeloPark played host to the track cycling events during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and has since hosted 18 major international events.
The venue blends elite and community programmes, along with clubs, schools, community groups and riders of all backgrounds and abilities.
Shaun Dawson, chief executive at Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, commented: “This latest investment at Lee Valley VeloPark is another example of the authority’s commitment to delivering world class venues which are at the forefront of consumer needs and set the bar for excellence across the leisure and sport industry.
“We are delighted with how the gym is performing and believe that the new meeting rooms will be hugely attractive to our corporate customers.
“We have taken time to consult with the UCI, experienced architects and specialist track builders to develop a barrier design that is fitting for our specialist and high profile venue and offers superior spectator views.”
Works will start on Monday, August 19, and will be completed ready for visitors to ride the track from Thursday, August 29.
During the works visitors can still use the BMX racing track, road circuit and mountain bike trails as well as the gym.
The onsite café will be closed for part of the work.
