Bay reveals $21 million velodrome bid

Hawke's Bay ratepayers are being asked to put up $10.5 million for a proposed cycling velodrome at the Regional Sports Park.
Hastings District Council will contribute the largest share, at $7m, with the Hawke's Bay Regional Council putting in $2.5m, and Napier City Council $1m.
The region's bid to build the National Centre of Cycling Excellence was submitted yesterday, with proposals from six other regions.
Hawke's Bay's plan has ratepayers paying half the cost, now budgeted at $21m, up $5m from estimates last year.
The remainder will come from the Government's $7m contribution, corporate sponsorships, charitable trusts, and a $1m naming-rights deal with Unison.
Sports Park chairman Lawrence Yule said the cost increases became apparent after Sparc released its request for proposal in October.
It asked for a facility capable of hosting Olympic or world championship cycling, including seating for 4500 and full air conditioning.
Mr Yule said meeting the new specifications would cost in excess of $27m, pushing the budget out of the region's reach.
Instead, Hawke's Bay's bid proposed to future-proof the velodrome so extra seating and air conditioning could be added later.
Mr Yule said the region's plan was still compelling, and offered a fully-funded and consented velodrome.
"We're already over the line."
Hastings councillors have voted to approve up to $7m in funding, which is expected to increase average rates by about $14 a year.
Deputy Mayor Cynthia Bowers said it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have a national sporting facility in Hastings.
"I accept that this is a lot of money and we need to ask the people of Hastings before we make a final commitment," she said.
Ratepayers could have their say on the funding during annual plan consultation in April and May.
"If Hawke's Bay wants a velodrome, and I believe we do, now is the time for the people of Hawke's Bay to unite behind the cause," Ms Bowers said.
The new costs were released yesterday after the bid was submitted to Sparc, which will decide where the centre will be built.
The facility will include offices for 50 Bike NZ staff, a BMX track, and will cater for track, road, mountain and BMX cycling, as well as provide for other indoor sports and community uses.
Auckland, Waikato-Bay of Plenty, Taupo, Wanganui, Palmerston North and Christchurch also submitted bids yesterday.
Most were expected to propose a more expensive velodrome with a greater contribution from local ratepayers than Hawke's Bay's bid.