LDA and British Cycling announce support package to plug Eastway gap

The London Development Agency (LDA) and British Cycling have secured temporary facilities as part of a support package to bridge the gap between Eastway Cycle Circuit closing and the opening of a new circuit.

Up to half a dozen existing venues across British Cycling's Eastern, Central and South East Regions will receive LDA support to provide for Eastway cyclists, racing and coaching. In addition, local clubs will also receive aid, while a facility coordinator will be appointed to help cycling groups book venues.

The LDA has begun work on a new 2km circuit and off road trails at Hog Hill in Hainault. It will replace Eastway Cycle Circuit which is being developed into the Olympic Velopark.

Andrew Gaskell, Senior Development Manager, said:

"These packages will improve existing venues so they can cater for extra cyclists until the first class facility at Hog Hill is ready.

"Whether it is for recreation or competitive sport, the LDA and British Cycling has ensured that minimum disruption is caused by preparations for the 2012 Games. We are delighted with the outcome."

Peter King, British Cycling's CEO said:

"This multi-site solution and support package will benefit cycle sport across British Cycling's, Eastern, Central and South East Regions providing a continuation of activity and supporting the work of the many British Cycling volunteers who make cycle sport happen.

"Looking ahead to Hog Hill, the agreed design overlays for both the on-road and off-road circuits look first class."

This is the outline package of interim arrangements that has been put in place by the LDA and British Cycling:

• A Facility Co-ordinator will be appointed for clubs and organisers to co-ordinate bookings and access all of these facilities.
• Club Support - A support package will be provided for 2007, until Hog Hill is open, to assist the clubs in attending other events and venues.
• Test track at Ford's Dunton Technical Centre, Laindon - In 2006 this Circuit was used for a series of British Cycling Go-Race events and these will now be expanded to encompass the majority of the Road Racing Events and Series from Eastway. The LDA will also pay for an officials' shelter, toliets and a budget for events.
• Beastway MTB Series: - Hainault Forest Country Park - The LDA will sponsor a dry area for lap scoring, a reliable and power protected electricity supply for lap scoring system and site security.
• Fowlmeade Country Park - The LDA will sponsor toilets, changing and support the event administration facilities, officials' shelter and event support budget to enhance the events.
• Hillingdon - Talks are to take place with the Hillingdon Circuit Users' Group to identify the support they need to continue and possibly expand the circuit's programme.
• Crystal Palace - LDA support budget to be made available so that events can be promoted on an additional second evening during the week.
• Local venues - Linked to supporting local club activities, the feasibility of using local open spaces is being explored on weekday evenings. If a venue is suitable, there will be support to provide equipment.

Ends

For media enquiries: please contact Andreas Christophorou at the LDA Media Team on 020 7593 8444;

For public enquiries, please call 020 7593 9000; for out of hours media enquiries, please call 07977 439 371.

Notes to Editors:

• The London Development Agency (LDA) had also looked at setting up a bespoke interim road circuit on land at the Royal Docks in Newham. However, due to length of time it has taken the local planning authority to determine the application combined with the necessary construction timetable this development has not proved feasible.
• The LDA is responsible for handing over a vacated Olympic park site to the Olympic Delivery Authority and supporting all parties having to move from the site.
• Planning permission for Hog Hill was secured in February and the LDA is currently carrying out a detailed environmental survey of the site before work begins. Work at Hog Hill is currently expected to be completed in December 2007.
• The LDA works to improve quality of life for all Londoners and drive sustainable economic growth.