Editorial: Velodrome would be worthy coup

OPINION: There is a strong and compelling argument for Palmerston North building an indoor velodrome.

The $15 million price tag might be tough for some people to stomach, but what the city and region gets outweighs the negatives.

The demand for a covered velodrome in the North Island has been well documented for some time. It is an odd anomaly that the best track cycling facilities in the country are in our southernmost city.

With a strong cycling culture, top national-level cyclists, a perfect venue and a handy geographic location, the case for a top-grade velodrome in Manawatu really starts to stack up.

That Invercargill has made it happen is testament to the can-do attitude of the governing bodies and authorities who paved the way for it to be built.

And it's refreshing to see a similar attitude filtering through from the civic leaders here in Palmerston North.

The city council and Massey University have earmarked $6 million towards the project, which would be built at Massey, but needs to fight off other cities that also see the value in adding such a quality asset to their stocks.

Overcoming that competition, from cities such as Whanganui, Auckland and our regional neighbours in Hawke's Bay, will be no mean feat.

That's why such a high level of commitment from the powers-that-be at such an early stage is crucial.

There will be critics of the plan. They will say building a velodrome will be a huge drain on ratepayer money and is something only a small sector of the community can enjoy. While that is true to some extent, the same could be said for any other facility in the city, from libraries to rugby stadiums to swimming pools.

The business community and philanthropic trusts have not even been approached for funding yet, let alone the widespread support such a project would get from the cycling sector of the city and wider region.

It would be a coup if Palmerston North pulled it off and a facility that the city could be proud of.

A city's reputation is built on many things. Apart from quality of life and safety aspects, the amenities a city has also help cement how it is perceived and how attractive it is to outsiders.

A covered velodrome may not have everyone's support, but one with strong community backing would certainly go some way to help enhance the city's status.

One more thing

Well, another Relay For Life has come and gone and what a colourful, vibrant and poignant event it was. Thousands crammed the school of education grounds over Saturday and yesterday to raise thousands of dollars for the Cancer Society's worthy cause. A pat on the back to all those involved in the event and the army of people that it takes to pull together such an impressive community occasion. No doubt planning for the 11th version is well under way.

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