Installation of new footbridge over Ashton Canal will link BMX Centre with Metrolink
Forming part of a series of public realm improvements, which surround the building of the new National Indoor BMX Arena, a new pedestrian bridge is today being installed to cross the Ashton Canal, improving accessibility to the facility for both residents and athletes.
The new 50m bridge will provide a pedestrian link from the new Metrolink Velopark tram stop, which is currently under construction on Ashton New Road, and which will become a new destination on the East Manchester line when it opens spring 2012.
The bridge is part of a £5 million package of public space improvement works, jointly funded by the Homes and Communities Agency and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
As well as the canal bridge, the funding will provide new cycle-ways and footpaths, open public spaces, better site access and new lighting and landscaping.
Once the bridge is fully installed, access to the existing Manchester Velodrome and new £19 million BMX centre which together form the National Cycling Centre, will be improved considerably, allowing easier connections for both local residents and world-class athletes who visit the centre.
Designed by Planit (Landscape Architects), the bridge features the lettering ‘Manchester Velopark - home of British Cycling’. This statement celebrates the ongoing commitment of British Cycling to Manchester, as they prepare to take occupation of a purpose built head office within the new BMX Centre, which when opened in August this year, will become the UK's first purpose built covered BMX track with an Olympic size ramp.
The National Indoor BMX Arena is funded by Manchester City Council (£8.55 million), the Northwest Regional Development Agency (£8 million) and Sport England (£3 million).
Eddie Smith, Chief Executive for New East Manchester Ltd, said: “This event marks an important development for the area and for the people of East Manchester. The bridge will not only connect residents with the Velodrome and BMX Arena, but it will improve considerably the pedestrian accessibility to Asda and Next from Clayton, as well as forming an important connection to the new Metrolink stop which is currently under construction and that open in the Spring of 2012.”
Councillor Mike Amesbury, Executive Member for Culture and Leisure, said: "The National Indoor BMX Arena will be another world class sporting facility in Manchester for both our young people and the British Olympic BMX team to use. As we approach the 2012 Olympics it will underline Manchester's proud role as the home of British Cycling. As well as giving a further boost to the regeneration of the area, it will help inspire future generations and, who knows, maybe they will be bringing more gold medals back to the city."
Paul Lakin, Director of Land and Property, Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) said: “I am delighted with the progress of the new BMX centre and welcome this latest development. Improving access from the existing Velodrome to the new BMX Arena and new Metrolink is vital to the Eastland’s business performance and success. I am looking forward to this summer when the project is eventually complete.”
Ian Drake, British Cycling's Chief Executive, said: "Today brings us a step closer to the completion of a fantastic training facility which will aid the GB Cycling Team's preparations for London 2012. The BMX Arena and the redevelopment of the National Cycling Centre are part of London 2012 legacy plans and illustrate the positive impact the Games are having on sport and the local community here in Manchester."
Sport England's Chair, Richard Lewis, said: "It's exciting to see the National Indoor BMX Arena taking shape as a world-class facility, which will create sustainable sporting opportunities that meet the needs of local communities. With National Lottery investment, our drive to deliver a mass participation legacy from the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games is transforming the places where people play sport and I look forward to seeing the Arena open its doors to the public, giving people of all ages and abilities the chance to get - and stay - on their bikes for years to come."