BMX riders in Southern Tasmania are set to get a new, national standard, BMX track following a decision by Sorell Council to give its in-principle support for the relocation of the Southern City BMX Track from its current location in Glenorchy City to Pembroke Park in Sorell.
The facility, currently used by the Southern City BMX Club, had previously been flagged for relocation from its current Berriedale home to Tolosa Park in Glenorchy, following the adoption of a new master plan for the Berriedale Peninsula which envisages the area being used for a mix of recreation and public amenities and the expansion of Mona’s facilities.
However, a detailed investigation of the Tolosa Park site identified that significant works would be required to address underlying geotechnical issues at the site, making it unsuitable for a BMX facility.
Preliminary estimates indicated the site stabilisation works required to resolve the geotechnical issues would increase the cost to approximately $2.1 million, far exceeding the project’s proposed budget.
Glenorchy City Council led investigations and negotiations to secure a new home for the facility, with Pembroke Park identified due to its size, location and existing cycling infrastructure.
Glenorchy and Sorell Councils have been in negotiations over many months to work through the details of the move, including the transfer of grant funding set aside for the facility, with both Councils also working closely with the Southern City BMX Club.
Glenorchy Mayor Bec Thomas said the potential move was a great outcome for the BMX community, as well as the communities of Glenorchy and Sorell.
“The proposed relocation of the BMX track to Pembroke Park will deliver a brand new, state of the art BMX facility to Southern Tasmania while allowing Glenorchy to progress its vision for the area under the Berriedale Peninsula Master Plan,” Mayor Thomas said.
“Moving the BMX track from its current home will not only deliver a new and improved BMX track but will also allow us to unlock the economic benefits and development potential of the Berriedale Peninsula, for the benefit of our community.
“While we’ll be sad to see the BMX track leave Glenorchy, its proposed new home at Sorell is much more suitable and will provide a better regional facility for the BMX community,” she said.
Mayor Thomas was also thankful to Sorell Council for working with Glenorchy City Council to facilitate the move.
“This is a great example of two local governments working together to get the best outcome for their respective communities and a regional sporting organisation” Mayor Thomas said.
The new track will be partially funded by the Tasmanian Government through a $250,000 grant from the Department of Community, Sport and Recreation.
Glenorchy City Council may also contribute to the relocation costs, with negotiations around the funding arrangements continuing.
Sorell Council will now conduct further investigations to confirm the cost of building the new facility before making a final decision on the move.