A new cycling centre is due to open in Kent in 2012, featuring 6km of mountain bike trails, BMX race track, skate park, a road circuit, and recreational cycling paths.
The contract for works to construct Cyclopark, next to the A2 between Dartford and Gravesend, has been awarded to VolkerFitzpatrick, a large civil engineering contractor based in the South East. VolkerFitzpatrick was successful against four other competitors after a tender process which begun with a European notice. The works are anticipated to last for approximately 10 months beginning in January 2011.
VolkerFitzpatrick has an excellent track record of delivering similar projects to Cyclopark in Kent and East London. They will be working in close partnership with the client Kent County Council, the designers Jacobs and four specialist sub contactors to deliver the unique blend of cycling facilities at Cyclopark.
Kent County Council is leading on the park's development and has secured in excess of £7 million for the capital development. Total costs for the full scheme are estimated at £9.7 million. Further funding has been secured from Sport England, the Colyer-Fergusson Trust, British Cycling and the Homes and Communities Agency.
Cyclopark is set to bring first class cycling, running and extreme sports facilities to North Kent. The park will be one of the leading multi sport centres in the South of England and Jamie Staff MBE, Olympic gold medallist, World BMX champion and Cyclopark's champion hopes to develop a 'Jamie Staff Academy' on-site for young people to develop their talent. Cyclopark is projected to attract a minimum of 100,000 cyclists, event visitors and local users within a prominently placed, popular and easily accessible facility and a further 9.5 million people live within an hour's travel time.
Construction is due to start in January 2011, for completion by November 2011. The funds secured will deliver an operationally and financially viable facility. However, in order to provide a more comprehensive sport, leisure and community offer, and ensure a more robust income stream for the longer term, the Cyclopark team would like to raise further capital funds towards the existing scheme which could include additional development and complimentary facilities.
Diyal Nonis, contracts manager for VolkerFitzpatrick, said: "This is a really exciting project not only for Kent, but also for the South East of England. We are delighted to be involved and look forward to working with both Kent County Council and Jacobs to deliver these unrivalled sports facilities."
David Brazier, Kent County Council Deputy Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Waste, and the Council's Member Cycling Champion, says: "I'm delighted to be able to say that the construction of Cyclopark will soon be underway and even happier to announce Volker Fitzpatrick as contractor. They have a long and successful history with particular reference to similar projects in the South East. They have demonstrated an enthusiasm and capability for the project that wasn't present in any of their competitors submissions and an understanding for the consultation process required to develop the full potential of the specialist facilities. They should be preparing before the end of the year and starting on site in January 2011 and I look forward to working closely with them as Cyclopark finally takes physical shape."
British Cycling's CEO, Ian Drake, says: "The plans for the Cyclopark venue look fantastic. It is a perfect example of the continued efforts we are 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."
Jonathan Monckton, Chairman of The Colyer-Fergusson Charitable Trust, says: "The Trustees of the Colyer-Fergusson Charitable Trust are delighted to support the Cyclopark project. The Trust's grant is mainly targeted towards activities for younger members of the community. For example, our grant will help towards a children’s cycling play area; a skate park; BMX and mountain bike circuits and a multi-use games area. The Trustees believe that this exciting new facility will significantly improve access to recreation for the local community and we wish the project every success."
www.cyclopark.com
looks like a sick spot, but i agree that everybody in that video looks just a tad lost, like they should really be in a high rise office block in london. Any chance of any dirt jump?
i emailed them asking about north shore, free ridea area and DJs and this is the email i got.
By way of an update we will be starting construction in the new year.
The mountain bike trails will contain a variety of trail types and is being constructed by a specialist mountain bike contractor, he is being supported by a group of local and regional mountain bikers. The aim is to produce trails that will allow all levels to participate / learn and progress. As a relatively local person you should be able to make use of the facility on a regular basis either as a regular training facility or partaking in competitions.
With regard to northshore and dirt jumps. The biggest limitation we have is space and it has not been possible to include every aspect of cycling. There will be some northshore areas within the mountain bike trails, however it will only be a small part of the mountain bike trails, and will be confirmed over the coming weeks through the final design and construction stage, I can certainly make sure that your interest is relayed to the team. Dirt jumping again is not specifically catered for but there will be areas of pump tracks that have potential to give some opportunities, again we can bare you interest in mind in the forthcoming process.
Again thank you for your interest , we will try and keep everybody updated but its best to keep an eye on the Cyclopark web site which will be updated on a regular basis.
enjoy
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Kent County Council is leading on the park's development and has secured in excess of £7 million for the capital development. Total costs for the full scheme are estimated at £9.7 million. Further funding has been secured from Sport England, the Colyer-Fergusson Trust, British Cycling and the Homes and Communities Agency.
Cyclopark is set to bring first class cycling, running and extreme sports facilities to North Kent. The park will be one of the leading multi sport centres in the South of England and Jamie Staff MBE, Olympic gold medallist, World BMX champion and Cyclopark's champion hopes to develop a 'Jamie Staff Academy' on-site for young people to develop their talent. Cyclopark is projected to attract a minimum of 100,000 cyclists, event visitors and local users within a prominently placed, popular and easily accessible facility and a further 9.5 million people live within an hour's travel time.
Construction is due to start in January 2011, for completion by November 2011. The funds secured will deliver an operationally and financially viable facility. However, in order to provide a more comprehensive sport, leisure and community offer, and ensure a more robust income stream for the longer term, the Cyclopark team would like to raise further capital funds towards the existing scheme which could include additional development and complimentary facilities.
Diyal Nonis, contracts manager for VolkerFitzpatrick, said: "This is a really exciting project not only for Kent, but also for the South East of England. We are delighted to be involved and look forward to working with both Kent County Council and Jacobs to deliver these unrivalled sports facilities."
David Brazier, Kent County Council Deputy Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Waste, and the Council's Member Cycling Champion, says: "I'm delighted to be able to say that the construction of Cyclopark will soon be underway and even happier to announce Volker Fitzpatrick as contractor. They have a long and successful history with particular reference to similar projects in the South East. They have demonstrated an enthusiasm and capability for the project that wasn't present in any of their competitors submissions and an understanding for the consultation process required to develop the full potential of the specialist facilities. They should be preparing before the end of the year and starting on site in January 2011 and I look forward to working closely with them as Cyclopark finally takes physical shape."
British Cycling's CEO, Ian Drake, says: "The plans for the Cyclopark venue look fantastic. It is a perfect example of the continued efforts we are 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."
Jonathan Monckton, Chairman of The Colyer-Fergusson Charitable Trust, says: "The Trustees of the Colyer-Fergusson Charitable Trust are delighted to support the Cyclopark project. The Trust's grant is mainly targeted towards activities for younger members of the community. For example, our grant will help towards a children’s cycling play area; a skate park; BMX and mountain bike circuits and a multi-use games area. The Trustees believe that this exciting new facility will significantly improve access to recreation for the local community and we wish the project every success."
www.cyclopark.com
