Velodrome roof: Now it will happen

Velodrome roofing proponents Leigh Grant (left) and Bob Smith.

Whanganui Raise the Roof Trust greeted news that the velodrome roof project had received resource consent with tremendous excitement.

Trustee Leigh Grant said he was now in no doubt the project would happen.

"That was an important, major step we had to get passed - I'm over the moon," Mr Grant said.

The trust would now move on developing designs and testing to ensure the ground was suitable to build the roof.

The trust remains about $12million short of the funds required but is bouyed by an assurance that central Government would provide a large chuck of that.

"We met with MP Chester Borrows and he confirmed Government will be coming to the party," Mr Grant said.

That leaves the trust about $3 million short, a sum it is confident that it can raise.

One way it aims to achieve that is through a Velo5000 club that supporters can join via its website (http://raisetheveloroof.org.nz).

Already Velo 5000 was attracting membership including from out of town.

"We need to stress that this is a regional asset and not just for cycling or in-line skating," Mr Grant said.

There was a large clear area that would be suitable for many types of events and activities.

"This is very positive news for Whanganui and the wider region. It is going to happen and it will be all go from here."