Queen’s Park BMX track reopens

The restored BMX track in Heywood

The BMX bike track at Queen’s Park in Heywood is now open following a £100,000 extensive restoration programme that has brought the much-loved facility back to life.

The track has been an attraction for many years, providing thousands of bike riders the chance to take on the challenge of purpose-built turns and jumps, which proved extremely popular to the young and young at heart.

However, due to a lack of funding to maintain the loose stone construction and additional help from cycling clubs to assist with the upkeep, the track became unsafe and overgrown and had to be closed for safety reasons in 2022.

Now, thanks to £13,000 community funding raised through Heywood charity Restoring Hope, plus significant funding by the council, restoration work has taken place through BDB Special Projects, who also provided additional funds required to manage the full works to restore the track as part of their social value commitment to the area to coincide with their ongoing repairs to Queen's Park Bridge.

They instructed BikeTrack, a specialist track construction company, to help undertake the restoration. Overgrown foliage has been removed, and the four main raised banks have been asphalted to provide longevity and assist with maintenance. This means the track is back even better than ever, ready to welcome riders of all ages.

Following final touches the track has now been handed back to Rochdale Council, which will manage the maintenance going forward.

Craig Hall, director from BDB Special Projects, said: “As a local company we are proud to have been able to bring the Queen's Park BMX track back into use. The works have formed part of our social value commitment to the local community during the restoration of the Queen's Park Road Bridge. The revamped track is great to ride and we hope that those who use it will enjoy many hours of riding.”

Councillor Tricia Ayrton, deputy leader and portfolio holder for climate change and environment, said: “What a fantastic facility we now have in Heywood and I know how much this track has been missed over the years. A huge thanks to everyone who has made this project achievable and it has been wonderful to see children and adults enjoying getting back on track. It’s a great way to have fun, exercise and get out for fresh air.

“The track is for pedal bikes only and not for electric bikes that can cause damage to the track. Let’s respect and look after each other and the track, which we hope will be enjoyed now and for future generations.”

Terry Leach from Restoring Hope, added: “We’re delighted that as a local charity, we managed to raise the funds needed and also awareness for the project. The Heywood community, individuals and businesses rallied round the campaign with gusto. Fundraising events were set up, name cards, raffles and financial donations were sent to the team to reach the amount needed in just six weeks - an outstanding community effort. Thank you to everyone who helped to make this happen.”

A fun open event is scheduled to take place at the track on Saturday 18 January 2025 from 12.30pm, which will bring together lots of family activities, bike rides and stalls in collaboration with Your Trust. Restoring Hope have also invited special guest - Ross Cullen, multiple award winning BMX rider from the Great Britain cycling team to officially open the track at 2.30pm, followed by refreshments at Heywood Cricket Club.