Velodrome bid to boost Masterton

Masterton will become home to an indoor cycling velodrome if local man Stephen Brown has his way.

Mr Brown, managing director of building firm MB Brown Ltd and a Multisports Club member, has applied for a $15,000 grant from Masterton District Council to conduct a study into the feasibility of building an indoor velodrome in the town.

His wife Judy presented the submission in a draft annual plan hearing on Tuesday.

In his written submission, Mr Brown said a velodrome "would attract cyclists from the lower half of the North Island and top of the South Island and as such boosting the area's visitor numbers and economy".

He said the main reason behind his proposal was to generate income for Masterton.

"I saw the results from the air show and money it generates. It's got to be great for our economy," Mr Brown said.

It would also give keen cyclists the opportunity to cycle all year round.

"Cycling in general is growing, it's huge at the moment. The Government had the national cycling way they were putting in. There is a big push for cycling and there are about a million people that cycle in New Zealand," he said.

At present there is one indoor velodrome in Invercargill, with another proposed for Hamilton.

"For us to drive to Hamilton is a major. It's just too far," Mr Brown said.

He said the design would be based around Invercargill's velodrome.

"I was lucky enough to experience their one in Invercargill. It was fantastic."

It would house a multicourt facility, with three or four indoor courts that could be used by other sports such as netball, tennis and badminton at the same time.

An 250-metre indoor running track of national standards would also be included.

"It's definitely a multi-purpose venue in Masterton."

He said the velodrome would cost about $12 million to build and he would not be looking to the council for funding.

"We've got a couple of places that we're going to look for funding but not through the council. It's too big a project."

He said it would take about 20 months to build.

The annual plan will be adopted on June 26.