Maindy Velodrome in Cardiff, home to the successful Maindy Flyers cycling club, is facing an uncertain future as Cardiff Council considers its options for the historic venue. The velodrome has played a significant role in nurturing talented athletes such as Geraint Thomas, Megan Barker, and Ella Maclean-Howell, making it a vital part of the cycling community in Wales. However, plans to expand Cathays High School onto the velodrome’s land have raised concerns among campaigners who are calling for clarity and preservation of the velodrome.
The Cardiff Council recently announced a change in plans regarding the construction of a new velodrome at the International Sports Village (ISV), which was set to be the new home for the Maindy Flyers club. Instead, the site at the ISV may now be designated for a golf attraction, leaving the future of Maindy Velodrome uncertain. Co-chairman of Maindy Flyers, Alan Davis, expressed relief at the possibility of Maindy Velodrome being preserved, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the facility for the cycling community.
In addition to the developments concerning the velodrome, Cardiff Council has been offered the opportunity to negotiate for land that could serve as an alternative location for expanding Cathays High School. This potential alternative site is currently occupied by Companies House offices on Crown Way. Discussions with the Government Property Agency (GPA) and Companies House indicate a willingness to explore options for relocating to a new site, potentially paving the way for a new chapter in the area.
Cardiff Council’s cabinet report highlights the ongoing negotiations and considerations surrounding both the future of the school expansion and the potential relocation of Companies House. Should these negotiations not yield the desired outcomes, the council remains open to reconsidering how to introduce a closed-loop cycle track and velodrome to the city in the future. The report mentions the possibility of keeping the school expansion at Maindy Park as a viable option should alternative arrangements fall through.
Community group Beicio Cymru has expressed understanding and support for Cardiff Council’s decisions regarding cycling facilities in the city, emphasizing the importance of investing in venues that promote cycling as both a sport and a recreational activity. The group is seeking further details on the investment needed to uphold the safety and performance standards of Maindy Track, highlighting its significance in fostering cycling talent and accessibility across Cardiff.
The ongoing discussions about the future of Maindy Velodrome have brought to light the complexities surrounding the site’s potential redevelopments and the need for community involvement in decision-making processes. Campaigners have raised concerns about the management of Maindy Park Trust and the implications of proposed land swaps, prompting calls for transparency and accountability from Cardiff Council. As the council deliberates its next steps, the fate of Maindy Velodrome hangs in the balance, awaiting clearer guidance on its preservation and potential transformations.
The upcoming meeting of Cardiff Council’s cabinet members on January 23 will provide an opportunity to further explore the current status of Cathays High and the ISV projects, shedding light on the evolving plans for the velodrome and surrounding areas. The decisions made in the coming weeks regarding land negotiations and the future of Maindy Velodrome will undoubtedly shape the landscape of cycling in Cardiff and determine the fate of this iconic sporting venue for years to come.