The refurbishment of the historic Herne Hill velodrome reached a landmark stage recently as the scaffolding was removed from the new pavilion, allowing it to be seen clearly for the first time.
Originally built in 1891, the battle to restore the velodrome to its former glory has been a long one — it was
originally threatened with closure in 2001 as the surface of the track itself was breaking up and the pavilion was declared unsafe.
The facility struggled on until a campaign was launched to restore it in 2010 as its lease came to an end and closure seemed likely.
Since then investment by British Cycling, Southwark Council, the Mayor of London and a bequest from local cyclist Leonard Lyes has led to the installation of new lighting, a new lease and the development of the pavilion project.
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The realisation of the design, which incorporates the original derelict pavilion’s signature columns and the same wood used to clad the London Olympic Velodrome in Stratford, is now visible in all its glory.
Iconic columns remain at heart of Herne Hill. Photo: Daniel Gould
The new facility will include function rooms, a viewing gallery, a bar, bike storage facilities and a grandstand
with bench seating.
Adam Harridence, a trustee of the Herne Hill Velodrome Trust, said: “To watch the progress from what it has been in the last 10-15 years to where we are now has been exciting to everyone, not just the trustees.
“The work that has been done and the fact that we are going to sign a long lease means that what has been an incredibly successful breeding ground for the UK athletes will have its life extended, which will mean that it can continue to deliver successful athletes,” he added.
New-look venue is a labour of love. Photo: Daniel Gould
Thom Kilvert, associate partner at architect Hopkins, said: “It has been very much a labour of love for us and everyone else involved rather than just about making the most money.
"It has been massively important to us actually because the project came into the office in late 2010 and there has been a huge number of people working very hard to align the different parties.”
The finished product will open in 2017. Photo: Daniel Gould
Work still to be done includes fitting out the building and some glazing before it is due to open to the public early next year.
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Having trained as a journalist at Cardiff University I spent eight years working as a business journalist covering everything from social care, to construction to the legal profession and riding my bike at the weekends and evenings. When a friend told me Cycling Weekly was looking for a news editor, I didn't give myself much chance of landing the role, but I did and joined the publication in 2016. Since then I've covered Tours de France, World Championships, hour records, spring classics and races in the Middle East. On top of that, since becoming features editor in 2017 I've also been lucky enough to get myself sent to ride my bike for magazine pieces in Portugal and across the UK. They've all been fun but I have an enduring passion for covering the national track championships. It might not be the most glamorous but it's got a real community feeling to it.
