Residents from Haverhill South and enthusiastic BMX riders are invited to see proposed plans for a new BMX Pump Track.
The track, which will be located in Greenfields Way between the Clements GP Practice and Clements Primary Academy, will be available for everyone in the community.
The proposed plans will be on display for feedback on Saturday 17 March between 11am–3pm at Clements Primary Academy.
There will also be the opportunity to find out how residents can get involved and an exciting competition to name the berms (banked corners) on the track.
This community-led project is the flagship project of the Haverhill South People’s Forum, in partnership with Haverhill Community Trust, who will commission the works and be the legal owner of the project on their behalf.
The Forum, with support from Community Action Suffolk, was set up as part of the Local Conversation in Haverhill South – a People’s Health Trust initiative which involves supporting residents to develop a shared vision for their community and take local action on issues that matter to them.
The investment was awarded by People’s Health Trust using money raised by HealthIntend through The Health Lottery.
As part of the Local Conversation in Haverhill South, residents decided on three priorities, which the BMX track is part of. The three priority areas are health and wellbeing, children and families and community.
Dave Smith, Chair Haverhill South People’s Forum, said:
“After almost four years of planning, we are extremely pleased to say that the track so many residents have asked for will soon be here. Come and meet us to see what it is all about.”
Darren Foreman, Haverhill South People Forum member and keen bike enthusiast, said:
“It’s really exciting to be so close to achieving our goal of delivering a BMX pump track. We asked the public what they would like and residents said they wanted to see an activity for young people. Something that was healthy, fun, for the whole family and also good for their wellbeing – Having a pump track ticks all of those boxes. It is a great activity for younger children and parents to try – in fact as long as you can ride a bike, anyone of any age can enjoy this fantastic facility!”
Colin Poole, from Haverhill Community Trust, said:
“The Haverhill Community Trust facilitates projects that improve the lives of people in Haverhill. We rely on the community to tell us that we are on-target with what we do. The Trust is therefore really pleased that the proposed BMX pump track is a resident-led project, as being rooted in the community means this is a great opportunity seized. The Haverhill South People’s Forum and Community Action Suffolk have done a great job and we are pleased to be able to help them make this project a reality.”
Funding for the track will come from Haverhill South People’s Forum with vital contributions and support from St Edmundsbury Borough Council and Suffolk County Council.
Clark & Kent, who built the London 2012 Olympic Games BMX track, has been appointed to build the Haverhill track, which is expected to open in September 2018, subject to planning permission.