Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Brisbane pedals new cycling home

Construction has begun on Brisbane’s newest home of cycling, which the City says will be an asset for residents and visitors before, during and after 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner said the new Brisbane International Cycle Park at the Murarrie Recreation Reserve will not only draw visitors to the city, but also deliver great opportunities for residents.

“Brisbane is the best place to live, work and relax and projects like the Brisbane International Cycle Park provide more for residents of all ages, interest, and abilities to see and do,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter whether you’re learning to ride for the first time or consider yourself an elite cyclist, this will be a free space for people to get outdoors and get active.”

The Brisbane International Cycle Park project will include a 500-metre speed skating track, a multi-purpose clubhouse, a new criterium cycling track and an upgraded car park.

Planned future stages of the park include a learn-to-ride facility, BMX track, special track lighting and public amenities including picnic shelters, barbecues, and a dog off-leash area.

Lord Mayor Schrinner said the project would be complete by 2024 and could possibly be used by future Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games athletes.

“As a future host city it’s important that we prepare for the Games however it’s also vital that our investments in sporting venues and facilities deliver a legacy that can be enjoyed by the 1.2 million people who call Brisbane home,” he said.

“Council has consulted with AusCycling, local cycling and speed skating clubs to ensure the facility is world class.

“We expect this venue to be a major drawcard for Brisbane in the future, attracting cycling groups and visitors looking to hold their events in our welcoming and active city.

“Brisbane-based company Epoca Constructions are on site and work is underway to get this project delivered for our community as soon as possible.

“There will be more than 1800 employees from locally based suppliers and contractors working on this project, including 35 apprentices.”

AusCycling Head of Events and double Olympian, Louise Jones said the project was transformational for Brisbane cycling.

“This project not only provides a world class facility for elite athletes to train and race but also exposes more kids to the various types of Olympic cycling disciplines in safety,” she said.

“More children will learn to cycle and race across BMX, Mountain biking and road cycling and ultimately more will progress through to high performance programs to represent Australia. “

Council is working with the State and Federal governments to deliver the project.

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