BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
The public appeal for cash to fit-out the new pavillion at London’s Herne Hill Velodrome reached its £75,000 target in just seven days. The total is now at £84,300, with the "stretch" target extended to £100,000.
The new pavilion – designed by the same architects who created the 2012 Olympic Velodrome – is almost complete but needs fitting out. It needs tables, chairs, office, kitchen and medical room equipment and much more. "All the things a sports building expected to receive over 50,000 visits a year will need," said Phil Wright of the Friends of Herne Hill Velodrome. "These things are not yet funded."
When the Friends group launched a crowdfunding campaign – The Big Finish – it raised £24,000 before the link went public on 9th December. Limited edition rewards include seats in the refurbished grandstand.
The £1.8m pavillion has been funded by the Marathon Trust, Sport England, the Mayor’s Fund and Southwark Council, as well as previous donations to the Save the Velodrome Campaign. It is due to open early in 2017. The Herne Hill Velodrome Trust has negotiated a 99-year lease for the building
Built in 1891, Herne Hill was the cycling venue for the 1948 Olympics. It’s now a vibrant cycling centre for all with regular sessions for women, veterans, disability groups and schools. A new inner track is used for under-8s and under-4s on balance bikes.
Wright said: “Herne Hill in 2016 offers all kinds of cycling to all kinds of people. We like training future stars but we love making proper cyclists out of whoever comes through those gates. For both these things to continue we’ve got to finish the pavilion."
