A VALE of Clwyd town has been selected by Welsh Cycling for its plan to build the first velodrome in North Wales.

Wales’ governing body for cycling said it will partner with Ruthin Town Council to make a formal proposal for the North Wales Outdoor Velodrome, following a review of tender applications by local authorities.

A bid was made for vacant land on Glasdir Estate by the town council at the end of last year, which received backing from Denbighshire County Council planning officers and Ruthin county councillors.

The town council consulted with nearby residents and a feasibility and business case study was carried out by sports business consultancy LK2, which resulted in recommendations for a parkland velodrome in a landscaped setting.

There are currently three velodromes in Wales, all located in the south, including outdoor sites in Cardiff and Carmarthen and an indoor track in Newport.

Cllr Gavin Harris, mayor of Ruthin, said the town council’s vision is that Ruthin will become a hub for cycling in the Vale of Clwyd, including new clubs and opportunities for schools and disabled people.

"Ruthin Town Council, supported by funding from Cadwyn Clwyd, have worked collaboratively with many stakeholders to progress the project despite the impact of Covid, and are excited to have the town’s selection confirmed by Welsh Cycling following the production of a comprehensive feasibility study,” said Cllr Harris.

“The independent specialists have been able to outline the projects viability, affordability and potential usage from across North Wales, which is testament to our initial bid winning vision.

“We look forward now to developing ideas for a parkland outdoor velodrome in a landscaped setting at Glasdir with the local community so that this unique project can offer recreational and sports participation benefits, economic regeneration impacts through a sustainable facility that can bring broad benefits to Ruthin, Denbighshire and the wider North Wales community.”