An independent group says it can roof Wanganui's cycling velodrome for $5.8 million - and do so without troubling the ratepayers.
The group, calling itself the regional velodrome roofing team, has been working on its own, getting plans drawn up and talking to potential funders.
So far it has got $80,000 from Powerco Wanganui Trust, enabling it to have a design of the roof prepared.
After a decision to go ahead, it would take just over a year to have a 135-metre long and 75m wide tension membrane roof over the wooden track in Cooks Gardens. The membrane does not enclose the velodrome but provides a cover that extends beyond the current outside edge.
Details were released at a Wanganui District Council meeting this week and councillors endorsed the project in principle and said it would work with the project team around future management of the facility.
The project team includes Mark Stoneman, Stuart Bruce, Leigh Grant and Bob Smith, along with consultant Randall Mellows. The velodrome is owned by the council and managed by the Wanganui Events Trust, with council contributing about $50,000 a year for maintenance.
Mr Mellows told councillors that, once roofed, the complex would become a regional cycling centre used by competitive cyclists from Taranaki down to Wellington.
Clubs across the lower North Island had already indicated support.
Initially the idea was to create an events centre, then a cycling centre of excellence but the team had now become focused on roofing the complex.
"We're a small group who picked up on the concept as vision for the city and region," Mr Mellows said.
He said a roof not only protected an asset, it also provided a regional facility.
"This is not just for elite cyclists - we envisage more in the community will be using it."
Built in the mid-1990s, the track was still in good condition but council engineers estimate it would only survive for another four to six years if left uncovered.
"The biggest risk is allowing this asset, valued at $7.5 million, to deteriorate further," Mr Mellows said.
The project team was not asking for council funding - "We're of the view we can raise the money without any ratepayer contribution."
The roofing project has also been endorsed by Cycling NZ, and its chief executive Andrew Mathieson told council that once roofed the velodrome would become Cycling NZ's regional development centre for the Wanganui-Manawatu area.
He said performance hubs gave cyclists a stepping stone at a time when Cycling NZ was looking at increasing competition cycling across the country.
"You've got a world-class facility here. It's about making sure these assets are well utilised, and we're committed to it."
Mr Mellows said any events planned for the velodrome were totally weather-dependent but having it covered "increases its use hugely".