Work on a new world-class cycling facility at Doncaster Dome has begun, thanks to a significant cash injection from the Places to Ride capital grants programme – designed to provide a lasting legacy from the 2019 UCI Road World Championships in Yorkshire.

The site will be transformed into a modern cycling area and will encompass a cycle circuit designed to provide recreational and competitive routes, including a regional specification race circuit. It will include a learn to ride area for children and young people, as well as a cobbled climb.

The Doncaster Council project has been made possible through a commitment from the UK Government, with Places to Ride delivered over the next two years through a unique partnership between British Cycling, Sport England and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS). With contribution from Doncaster Council, it will fund the development of multi-use facilities to engage with a broad spectrum of cyclists, like at Doncaster Dome, as well as smaller scale requests in order to transform communities across England.

Operated by Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust, the 1km-long, 6m-wide circuit will be closed from traffic to create a safe environment for cyclists of all abilities.

The Doncaster Dome facility is the first of several trailblazer projects set to leave a lasting imprint from the much-anticipated sporting event this September and comes as British Cycling announced that more than £2 million, out of the total of £15 million available, will be dedicated to small grant requests in order to transform facilities in communities across England.

Councillor Nigel Ball, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Leisure and Culture, said:

“It is tremendous news that we have begun constructing this unique cycling circuit which be ideal for beginners right through to elite racers.

“The circuit will help cement Doncaster as a cycling hub and build on our cycling legacy which has blossomed in recent years thanks to hosting world-renowned events like the Tour de Yorkshire. We are committed to our partnership Get Doncaster Moving and this circuit will help to encourage more people to get into sport, get active and have a healthier lifestyle.”

Andy Farr, Head of Facility & Investment Strategy at British Cycling, added:

“Doncaster Dome marks the start of an exciting few years for the Places to Ride fund and the lasting legacy the UCI Road World Championships will bring to the country.

“We want to work with any organisation that is developing cycling in their community, and this facility is a perfect example - with ambitions to increase the city’s levels of participation to place it in the top 25%, and initiatives like ‘Get Doncaster Moving’, we have no doubt that this new facility will be welcomed by everyone in the region.”

Charles Johnston, Director of Property at Sport England said:

“Too many people are stopped from riding a bike because of a lack of opportunity, equipment or safe places to ride. We know the right facilities in the right place are critical to unlocking the wealth of benefits sport and physical activity can have on our physical and mental wellbeing. Cycling, as one of the most popular activities in England, has the power to do just that.

“We are delighted to see work already beginning on this state of the art facility that we hope will support Doncaster Council’s ambitious plans to ultimately give more people from Doncaster the opportunity to ride a bike.

“Sport England is committed to Doncaster as one of our 12 Local Delivery Pilots, to identify new community-driven approaches to tackle the root causes of inactivity and ultimately make an active life the attractive and practical choice.”

Michael Hart, chief executive of Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust continued:

“We are thrilled that this new cycling facility is being created at Doncaster Dome. We look forward to working with our partners to ensure that people throughout the borough can access and make the most of this new facility.

“Doncaster has attracted world class cycling and will now be a hub for developing world class cyclists. The circuit will benefit people of all ages, groups, clubs and schools from across the region.”

Doncaster Council’s in-house construction team is the principal contractor for the scheme, with local firm Derek Lewis Ltd carrying out most of the civil works. The facility is set to be completed by the autumn.

Applications for both small and large-scale requests from the Places to Ride fund are being accepted until January 2021. To find out more information or apply online, visit www.britishcycling.org.uk/placestoride