Wanganui Regional Velodrome
Whanganui has a world class velodrome. Built in 1995 to full international standards, it features a tropical hardwood surface, regarded as the fastest in the country. This surface is now becoming weathered and needs to be protected if it is to survive. Engineers have advised that if the velodrome is not roofed, it will have to be either removed or rebuilt. It is estimated the life of the track is approximately four to six more years without protection.
The Regional Velodrome Development Trust engaged Giblin Group to undertake an independent Feasibility Study of the proposal to redevelop the Whanganui Velodrome. The project scope includes the construction of a roof on the outdoor velodrome with upgraded amenities for the sports of Cycling and Skating. The project will also provide a flat internal area suitable for hosting all-weather sporting and non-sporting events, making it a multi-use facility.
It is hoped the redeveloped velodrome will become the Regional Cycling Hub for the lower North Island as per Cycling New Zealand’s plan for the sport of cycling. In this capacity it will also attract events and people to Whanganui and the region.
The Whanganui District Council is working in partnership with the Trust on this project and has made a funding commitment to it and signed an MOU to facilitate and progress the project. However, the velodrome is also considered to be a regional facility by the councils of the Manawatū-Whanganui Region. A roofed velodrome has the potential to deliver social and economic benefits to the regional community and support the Regional Growth Programme, Accelerate25.
Following completion of the Feasibility Study, which included a high-level Funding Plan for the project, Giblin Group has been further contracted to work on funding applications to central government as well as developing a corporate sponsorship plan for the velodrome.
A key regional facility, the Whanganui Velodrome will be future-proofed and meet the changing needs of the region’s communities through this redevelopment. The proposal has been refined through feedback from extensive community consultation to meet the needs of both local and regional communities. It will raise the region’s profile and will make a direct contribution to the regional economy.
“Jenni did a fantastic job in helping us to secure critical partnerships and funding support for our internationally significant Len Lye Centre project – what’s more we really enjoyed working with her.”
“Giblin Group’s work on the Better Business Case process contributed to the development of a compelling piece of work. This project has created a considerable step change framework for the future of our City.”
“Giblin Group’s knowledge of government practices and procedures on a national and local level is invaluable, and I often find that they are well connected with staff and officials on all levels of Government. Giblin Group scopes their assignments well, provides accurate cost estimates for their services, delivers within the agreed timeframes and always deliver excellent quality work – no project manager can really ask for more!”
“The work that the Giblin Group completed, in collaboration with our staff, was instrumental in the success the project has had in securing significant funding to this key City initiative. In particular we have found the experience of the Giblin Group to been invaluable in seeking funding from a variety of sources in an increasingly challenging environment.”