Grange: Government ‘committed’ to constructing new velodrome

With the existing velodrome at the National Stadium set to be removed amid major transformative redevelopment of the facility at Independence Park, the government stated that it is intent on constructing a new facility for cycling.

Olivia Grange, minister of culture, gender, entertainment and sport, expressed a commitment to finding a new home for the sport, insinuating that a spot had been identified close to the existing structure, but that plan had to be shelved because of the nature of the work to be undertaken inside the stadium.

“We did identify a location, but we have now expanded what we are going to be doing in the National Stadium Complex,” said Grange.

When pressed on whether a new home has been found to install a new velodrome, Minister Grange said, “…we’re looking for a space for the velodrome.”

“We think we’ll find somewhere, but I’m not yet ready to say where,” she admitted.

“But we are looking for that, and we have made that commitment to the cycling federation that they will get a home.”

The existing velodrome has been at the National Stadium since the facility was opened in 1962, and has served as the only international-style cycling track in the country for a generation of Jamaican cyclists.

Competition was especially high, with much action on the road and velodrome during the 80s leading into the 90s, when the sport was quite popular. At that time, the very exciting ‘Devil takes the Hinadmost’ served as the signature event at the velodrome.

Over the years, there has been less action on the track, and international specifications for the distance and angles for that cycling structure have changed.

Transformative work at the National Stadium is set to begin in August next year, with projections for increased seating from approximately 35,000 to 38,000, with field event capacity expanding to 50,000.

The multi-year modernisation project will be undertaken by United Kingdom-based firms Ryder Architecture and CAA ICON, and is meant to elevate the venue, which was constructed in 1960, to global standards.

Plans incorporate a new multi-purpose sports hall, a dedicated throws training area, and significant refurbishments to the adjacent facility, Stadium East, to accommodate displaced local events during construction.