Ipswich cyclists are watching every bit of turf being turned at Raceview with excitement.
The earth-moving machinery moved in behind the Western Pride football fields and Ipswich Hockey grounds at Briggs Road last week.
Construction of the $3.3 million Stage One Ipswich Cycle Park began after Council selected BMD to build the premier cycling facility.
The new criterium circuit will consist of three track configurations: 1.31km, 1.08km and a 400m internal oval.
Ipswich Cycling Club president Ian Snodgrass said riders could not wait for the asphalt to be laid.
“It has been quite a few years of hard work and planning between our club and Council,” he said.
“We are all little eager beavers watching the first bits of turf being turned.”
Mr Snodgrass said the track would benefit experienced racing riders, social riders, community people and his 100 or so club members.
“Everyone is looking forward to having such an excellent and safe facility on our doorstep. It really is a godsend. We have not had anywhere convenient to race for some time.”
Mr Snodgrass said elite cyclists had to travel far and pay significant costs to race previously.
“We expect the club will grow significantly as a result of this facility. People will want to ride on a top quality track like this.”
Division 8 Councillor Charlie Pisasale was extremely proud of the new infrastructure addition.
“Positive outcomes can be achieved when partnerships are formed. The Ipswich Cycle Park project is a wonderful collaboration between Ipswich City Council, State Government, 24//7 Cycling Safety Fund and Ipswich Cycling Club,” he said.
“Although the location of the track is situated behind the existing Briggs Road sporting facilities, it will be a magic and most prominent location when the future road extension from Edwards Street to Warwick Road is constructed.
“This project will certainly be appreciated by the ever growing Ipswich cycling community, especially since the Limestone Park velodrome was removed after several safety concerns were identified.
“The construction of the Ipswich Cycle Park in Briggs Road will add another dimension to the existing sports precinct which already includes football, soccer, hockey and tennis.”
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Council’s commitment to quality sports and recreation facilities continues with the delivery of the Ipswich Cycle Park.
The Queensland Government provided $1.5 million to Council for the construction of the Ipswich Cycle Park to increase Queenslanders’ participation in sport and recreation activities.
The grant was secured as part of a partnership between Council, 24/7 Cycling Safety Fund and Ipswich Cycling Club.
The stage one development includes the construction of a 1.5km asphalt circuit that can be configured to three different lengths. The facility will become Ipswich’s leading cycling venue, replacing the Limestone Park velodrome that was demolished in 2010.
Council undertook a feasibility study in 2015 to determine the viability and need to establish a cycling facility for the community.
The Ipswich Cycle Park will provide a safe and diverse cycling experience for all members of the community and also provide a destination for cycling clubs to hold regular sporting events at the local, state and national level.
The track will cater for safe cyclist and runner use by incorporating a dedicated 7m wide cycle lane, 2m wide running lane, and an additional 1m wide safety lane. A main race staging area will double as a learn-to-ride facility for families when the park is not being used for events. The 400m oval track will also have a small staging area.
There will be lighting for the entire track for improved safety and use. Work has started, with an expected completion date of January for the main track works with lighting to be installed by March.
