Velodrome plans for Inverness are abandoned
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Plans to create a new cycle sports complex – which will be the first of its kind in the Highlands – have been abandoned due to a lack of funding.
Organisers at the north charity HiVelo have been enthusiastically trying to create a velodrome in the Inverness area for years.
Last summer optimism was high that a site near Inverness Campus would be perfect for the project which had an ambition for it to simply get more people riding bikes, more often.
It had been hoped the project – centred on an indoor 200m velodrome – would have been open in autumn 2023.
It was set to have space for reception, changing/shower accommodation, bike/kit hire, coaching, refreshments, spinning and conditioning studios, a large meetings room and spectator gallery.
In addition, the track centre would have been available for pump track, roadcraft and other skills development as well as hosting exciting demonstrations and celebrity presentations.
There would have been a traffic-free 1km road circuit for use by all types of riders, para-cyclists and other sports.
Plans also included a 200m short course competition BMX track for up to eight riders, launching from a 5m start hill, and the site would have been laid out to prioritise cyclists and pedestrians with vehicles segregated and held to one corner of the complex.
But the ground-breaking HIVELOHUB project has been abandoned further to a recent Highland Velodrome Trust meeting.
HiVelo SCIO was registered as a Scottish charity in 2015 with the over-riding objective of fostering “the creation and operation of a safe cycling development ‘hub’ centred on a velodrome provided for the benefit of all inhabitants of the Highlands of Scotland and such other persons who are studying, working or visiting in that area”.
In pursuit of that goal, it has worked with a wide range of partner organisations, sponsors and consultants.
Trust secretary Mike Greaves said: "Sadly, our lengthy discussions to secure a large block of ‘foundation’ grant assistance for HIVELOHUB from the national sports agencies – principally sportscotland – have not been successful.
"The trustees could not be more disappointed with this outcome, but we need to be realistic about its impact on HiVelo itself. Plainly, our founding mission [above] is now untenable.
"HiVelo has reached a major crossroads. One option would be to fall on our swords and to seek approval for a motion to dissolve the SCIO at the upcoming AGM. Alternatively, application could be made to the Scottish Charities Regulator (OSCR) to vary our remit to better reflect a future role providing support services, events and youth development initiatives serving the wider Highland cycling community.
"That would fit with our previous delivery of multiple fundraising sportives – notably the Culloden Challenge, The Loop and various Ivor Rides. Similarly, we have always prioritised youth development for the wider cycling community, with particular initiatives such as the quarterly Star Rider awards and custom rides like the Skirmish. The existing organisation carries the benefits of being a registered charity, affiliation with British Cycling, has established gift aid arrangements with HMRC, trademark protection and surpluses in both current and deposit bank accounts, plus a portfolio of events and related infrastructure assets.
"Our future now lies in the hands of the north cycling community. HiVelo can only prosper with some new faces drawn from the clubs and wider cycling world who are prepared to put back into our wonderful pastime and sport. A number of the existing trustees have now reached an age where health and family commitments must finally take priority. They will be standing down at the AGM, but we would welcome enquiries from anyone willing to help take the organisation in its new direction."
The AGM is set to be held online at 7pm on February 24. Email Mr Greaves at mikeg888@btinternet.com if you would like to be involved.
