A Lisburn BMX facility is to become ‘one of the first competitive tracks in Northern Ireland’
A Lisburn BMX facility is to become “one of the first competitive tracks in Northern Ireland” under a new council development.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s planning committee unanimously signed off on its own plans to upgrade the BMX track and also build the city’s long awaited skate park beside it.
The current Lisburn BMX Club on site is affiliated with governing body Cycling Ireland and could now look to boost members’ skill levels at the Bell Lane Park track.
In chambers, an architect for the council designs said: “There are currently no official skate parks in the council area as a result individuals wishing to access skate parks facilities at this moment must travel outside the area.
"The existing park contains the only BMX park in the council area.
“The Lisburn BMX track is classified as a national grade facility and is affiliated with the national governing body, Cycling Ireland.
“The improvements will make it one of the first competitive tracks in Northern Ireland. Other tracks in Belfast are smaller and not of the same standard as the Lisburn track.”
At the launch of the plans the Lisburn BMX Club chairperson George Gordon, said: “We welcome the proposal to upgrade our start hill to five metres, which will allow our riders to train at the appropriate level of difficulty.
“We’re all very excited about this fantastic opportunity and also welcome the integration of a skate park into the existing landscape.”
Councillor Nicholas Trimble said: "I will admit as a young child I went down the BMX track all the time when it was a dirt track and had the cuts and scrapes to prove it.
“I recognise that it is a shared space and should be enjoyment out of for everyone, so more than happy to support.”
Councillor Jonathan Craig added: “This will absolutely enhance the sporting package provided in the area. They have been talking about a skate board facility in this council area from the day and hour I joined this council 25 years ago.
“It is brilliant to see this facility get through planning stage and I look forward to it being delivered. It does make perfect sense where it is right beside the BMX track.”