Plans have been set in motion to deliver a new $16.1-million international cycle park in Murarrie, ahead of the Olympics.
The Murarrie Recreation Reserve International Cycle Park will comprise a world-class cycling track, a 500-metre speed skating track, and a multi-purpose clubhouse where locals may learn to ride a bike, improve on their BMX skills, enjoy picnics and barbecues, and play with their dogs at an off-leash dog park.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said that the budget for the new cycling facility has been secured for 2022-2023.
“In just over a decade’s time, Brisbane’s Olympic and Paralympic destiny will arrive with the Games to be held right here in our home city,” Lord Mayor said. “The investments we make today in sports infrastructure will pay dividends during the Games because local athletes will have world-class facilities, like this cycling track, to learn and train on at home.”
In mid-2019, Council sought feedback for the development of the Murarrie Recreation Reserve, which was followed by technical investigations and key discussions with sporting groups.
After these discussions, Council finalised the plan for the new facility that will include the following construction for Stage 1:
- Replace the local cycling track with criterium tracks designed to Union Cycliste Internationale standards, incorporating a new 500 metre rollerblading/speed skating track
- Remediation works
- New multi-purpose clubhouse catering for events
- New safety fencing
- car park upgrade
- New walkways, ramps and tree planting
Future plans for the cycle park will include the following, subject to funding:
- Learn-to-ride facility
- Pump/BMX track
- Picnic shelters and barbecues
- Track lighting
- Intersection upgrade
- Dog off-leash area
- Beginner mountain bike skills course
Council intends to establish Murrarie Recreation Reserve as a “metropolitan and international-level criterium track, wheeled sport and recreation park” with a range of opportunities for sports and recreation. It will be a safe, and well-designed green space that will be a destination for many locals and visitors.
Construction work for Stage 1 is scheduled to start in late 2022.