Dudley Council is moving into the second phase of a study which could lead to new cycling facilities including a velodrome.
Grant funding of £53,000 had been made available from the West Midlands Combined Authority and Sport England to progress to the next stage of the process.
The first phase concluded in 2024 when a business case study found in favour of a multi cycling facility, providing indoor and outdoor activities, which could include a 250m velodrome track.
Speaking in 2024 Andy Street, the then West Midlands mayor, said: “For a number of years there has been a lot of campaigning on this issue and my commitment was to fund a business case for a velodrome.
“We now have that report and what we’re going to do next is to progress its recommendation to take a closer look at how we can provide for track cycling as part of more wide-ranging facilities that are for all levels and forms of cycling.”
The new spending was approved by Anne Boyd, Dudley director of growth and infrastructure after consultation with Dudley cabinet member Simon Phipps.
Notes accompanying Ms Boyd’s decision said: “The study will build on existing evidence to define a preferred option, assess potential sites and viability, explore funding opportunities, and undertake need and demand analysis.
“It will also consider financial and delivery implications, ultimately determining whether an investable and deliverable proposition can be established.”
The council expects the study to begin in March 2027.
Speaking when phase one was completed, Jon Dutton OBE, chief executive officer at British Cycling, said: “High quality, local cycling facilities are integral to our mission to enable more people to discover the joy of cycling, and growing the sport in the West Midlands.
David Viner, velodrome campaigner, added: “An indoor velodrome is undoubtedly one of the most adaptive and inclusive of sporting arenas it is possible to build.
“It is now time for the West Midlands to catch up with other parts of the UK.”
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