Liberal National Government allocates $2.52 million to upgrade SpeedDome
SpeedDome is training home to several Olympic cyclists, including Melissa Hoskins and Sam Welsford
On the eve of the Rio Olympic Games, the Liberal National Government is reinforcing its commitment to providing world-class facilities for Western Australian athletes to train and compete in.
Sport and Recreation Minister Mia Davies today announced $2.52 million would be spent upgrading the SpeedDome in Midvale, including installing a new 250 metre timber velodrome cycle track and replacing the roof.
"The track was installed in 1989 and has been the training ground for some of our greatest Western Australian cycling champions, including Paul Clohessy, who won a gold and bronze medal at the 2000 Sydney Games for men's tandem cycling," Ms Davies said.
"It has also been the training venue for cyclists Sam Welsford and Melissa Hoskins, who are both competing in the Rio Olympic Games.
"Over the past year, the high-grade Siberian pine circular track has deteriorated faster than expected, and for the track to continue to be classified as UCI level 2 and be used for national and international events, it will need to be replaced.
"The upgrades will ensure the venue continues to operate to international training and competition standards."
Over the past 27 years the SpeedDome has hosted State, national and international events, including the prestigious 1997 UCI Track Cycling World Championships.
VenuesWest owns the venue on behalf of the State Government and the funding will come from its existing capital works budget.
The upgrades will also include minor works such as internal painting, upgrades to fire pumps, sprinklers and sewer works, and are expected to be completed by mid-2017.
Fact File
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