An independent committee has been given a first look at how the legacy of a historic velodrome in Cardiff could be protected if it is built over. The Maindy Park Trust Advisory Committee met on Thursday, April 20, to discuss a number of improvements which could be made to land at Caedelyn Park in Rhiwbina and Maindy Park in Cathays.
The improvements would be part of a controversial land swap which could see Maindy Park Trust given land at Caedelyn in exchange for land that the charity owns at Maindy Park. Cardiff Council, which is the sole trustee of Maindy Park Trust, approved the land swap on the recommendation of the committee.
If the proposed land swap is ultimately ratified by the Charity Commission, it will pave the way for the expansion of Cathays High School. Initial concept designs show that the wall of Maindy Velodrome could be partially retained if the school expansion goes ahead.
Read more: 'Plans to expand school at expense of historic velodrome take major step forward'
That, along with markings and signs providing information about the history of the site would be located at the remaining southern end of Maindy Park, which is not part of the proposed land swap. The concept design shows the markings and information would be part of a timeline developed along a looped path.
Maindy Velodrome is arguably best known as the site which held the 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games - and has helped to nurture some of Britain's best-known cycling talent, including Geraint Thomas. However, the track has a much longer history which stretches back to the 19th century when it was partly worked as clay pits.
The site was gifted to the people of Cardiff by the Marquis of Bute in 1922 and later became a recreational ground before part of it was turned into allotments during the Second World War. Cardiff Council's initial concept designs show that part of the remaining plot of land at Maindy Park could once again be turned into allotments.
A council report stressed that the current improvement proposals are "initial indicative ideas only", which would be subject to further design, consultation and engagement with relevant council departments and external stakeholders. Other potential improvements to the proposed remaining land at Maindy Park include the installation of a viewing platform, amphitheatres, a new cycle learning space for children and seating areas. The pump track could also be retained.
Some of the provisional proposals for Caedelyn include maximising the car parking area, resurfacing the path from the Caedelyn Road entrance to the railway line, and improving the lighting on site. However, council officers don't believe there is any immediate need to carry out drainage works. Cardiff Council's cabinet approved the recommendations of the Maindy Park Trust Advisory Committee on March 2 to go ahead with the proposed land swap.
However, the Charity Commission said it has still not received an application from the council for consent for the land swap. When the commission receives this application, it will assess whether the trustee's decision is in the best interest of the charity, and if it has sufficiently considered conflicts of interest and the views of beneficiaries.
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