Whanganui velodrome project

Velodrom page image

The future of the Whanganui cycling velodrome needs to be decided.

The velodrome facility is a significant Whanganui community sporting asset set in the multi-purpose Cooks Gardens stadium and sporting facility. In 1995 it was built to full international standards and features a wooden track surface that was once regarded as the fastest in the country.

The current wooden cycling track is now 25 years old and has deteriorated from exposure to the weather. Failing boards have been replaced over time using the stock of matching hardwood onsite. The level of deterioration of the track has increased year on year which led to the track’s closure in February 2021 due to safety concerns for users. It will remain closed until a decision is made on the long-term future of the facility.

Detailed information on options for the velodrome's future can be found in the consultation document(PDF, 14MB)

Public meeting – 31 March 2021

Summary of options and costs

Option 1

Demolish the track and decommission the site.

Cost

Impact on rates

Impact on debt

Impact of levels of service

$200k to decommission.

Total rates would increase by $42,000 per year in years 1 to 5 only.

Per property on average:

  • Residential $2.20
  • Farming $2.40
  • Commercial $3.30

Debt would increase by $200k in year 1 but be fully repaid by year 5 (5 years).

Reduction in level of service - no provision for track cycling in Whanganui.

Option 2

Roofed velodrome (preferred option)

Cost

Impact on rates

Impact on debt

Impact of levels of service

$20M to build, of which the council is expecting to fund up to $9M.

Rates increase of $1,020,000 on average per year from year 5 onwards.

Per property on average:

  • Residential $54
  • Farming $58
  • Commercial $81

Debt would increase by $9M and be repaid over 25 years.

Increased level of service – covered cycling track provided.

Option 3

Multi-purpose velodrome and events centre

Cost

Impact on rates

Impact on debt

Impact of levels of service

$36.4M to build, of which the council is expecting to fund up to $16.4M.

Rates increase of $1,740,000 on average per year from year 5 onwards.

Per property on average:

  • Residential $93
  • Farming $99
  • Commercial $139

Debt would increase by $16.4M and be repaid over 25 years.

Increased level of service – covered cycling track provided and an indoor venue for other sporting codes and non-sporting events.

Preferred option

Our preferred option is Option 2 ‘Roofed velodrome’. This proposal is a mid-range financial outlay and achieves the desired outcome of a functional and weather proof cycling track. It will also provide the opportunity for greater usability of the asset and will continue to contribute to Whanganui’s sporting history.

Related Information

Back to top