The Herne Hill Velodrome Trust has today announced the appointment of a team of consultants to undertake feasibility studies in the first step towards preparation of a planning proposal for the redevelopment of the historic and much loved Herne Hill Velodrome site.

The news comes shortly after the campaign to save the Velodrome and surrounding land for future use by cyclists of all ages and abilities, celebrated its first birthday in late 2011. To mark the occasion, the Trust set up a Friends group to engage with its supporters, as well as raise crucial funds for the project. The Trust has also started the process of setting up a User Group to include representatives from the surrounding neighbourhood as well as cycling clubs, schools and less able cyclists.

The consultant team is currently eight strong and will expand as the project moves through the phases of preparing site surveys, feasibility work, public consultation, costing, and eventually on to design proposals. The scheme and proposals are being developed prior to discussion with The Dulwich Estate as landlord of the site.

The team has been selected on a number of criteria, including personal capabilities and experience in similar projects, and their knowledge of and interest in cycling. They are:

• Jackson Coles LLP – Project manager
• Hopkins Architects – Feasibility study
• Rolfe Judd Planning Ltd – Planning consultant
• Chittenden Horley Consulting Limited – VAT consultant
• Deloitte LLP – Cost Consultant
• Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP – Legal representative
• Oakes Surveys – Measured surveys & 3D laser scanning
• Savell Bird & Axon – Transport consultant

	"I’m very pleased to see another step being taken in the journey of Herne Hill’s return to being a first class facility and we are grateful to the Velodrome Trust for all their work in getting to this point." Ian Drake, British Cycling Chief Executive

The team began work conducting site surveys in mid-January. Once analysis of these is complete, the next step is to conduct feasibility work and assess what could be delivered on the site. We anticipate the feasibility study will also highlight some elements which could be implemented before major works, such as track-side lighting.

The feasibility work is being led by Hopkins Architects, designers of the award winning London 2012 Velodrome in Stratford, who will assess potential for replacing the existing pavilion, as well as devising a scheme for the inner field which is being funded by Southwark Council Olympic and Paralympics Legacy Fund. Only once the pavilion feasibility work is complete will the Trust look to appoint a full planning team, including an architect for the building.

Ian Drake, Chief Executive of British Cycling said: “I’m very pleased to see another step being taken in the journey of Herne Hill’s return to being a first class facility and we are grateful to the Velodrome Trust for all their work in getting to this point.”

Mike Taylor, Senior Partner at Hopkins Architects commented: “There is no doubt this is a great project for cycling in London, so we are delighted that the Trust is now in a position to appoint a professional team and we can start to look in earnest at the opportunities to increase the future level of participation by getting the most out of the available site".

Stephen Frame, Senior Consultant, Jackson Coles added: “Every committed cyclist knows Herne Hill as a unique and special place among UK track venues. Jackson Coles are privileged to have supported the Herne Hill Velodrome Trust and Sport England in securing funding to secure the track's future, and to have brought together the team who will make this fantastic venue accessible for a new generation of cyclists."

Andrew Beardsley, Partner of Oakes Surveys, said: “As a keen cyclist of some 25 years, it is fantastic to see the wider and growing recognition of the sport of cycling in the UK. As the honorary home of British track cycling, Herne Hill Velodrome deserves a bright and sustainable future and Oakes Surveys takes great pleasure in being involved. This and other cycling based developments will help maintain the level of interest and participation in cycling”.

Gordon Graham, Assistant Director at Deloitte LLP said: “Being the title sponsor of the Ride Across Britain, Deloitte are delighted to offer Cost Consultancy services for the redevelopment of the historic Herne Hill Velodrome. This is part of Deloitte’s continuing commitment to British cycling and encouraging as many people into to get involved in the sport as possible. We hope that the redevelopment will benefit people of all cycling disciplines and abilities, and are incredibly proud to be a part of it”