Support for the bid to roof Whanganui's velodrome has received a boost with a neighbouring mayor saying it was both a regional and national asset.
Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith was presenting his council's submission to the Whanganui District Council's 2016-17 Annual Plan hearings this week and said his council supported the concept.
Mr Smith said the velodrome was strategically placed to serve a population of more than a million in the lower North Island but he urged the Whanganui council to put it into its annual plan.
"I know you have bigger priorities to deal with but this project should still be very high on your agenda," he said.
Mr Smith said others in the Manawatu region and beyond supported the concept and it was that sort of regional support which would "unlock" more backing for the project.