There are plans to develop a new 1.6 km asphalt closed road cycle circuit in Leeds. The University of Leeds is hoping to team up with UK Sport and British Cycling to develop the project, which will cost an estimated £4.5 million.

Bodington playing fields near Adel have been assigned for the project. The project also involves the refurbishment of Bodington sports pavilion.

Rob Wadsworth, Head of Sport at the University of Leeds, said that the university is “committed to sporting excellence and to opening up its facilities for the benefit of the public and this cycle track is a big part of that.

“We excel at cycling, our students are consistently at the top of their sport in the UK and the proposed track has the backing of key sport and cycling bodies.

“We look forward to meeting elected representatives and local residents to explain the plans and answer any questions they may have. Arrangements for a community consultation session are currently being finalised.”

It is hoped that UK Sport and British Cycling will provide £1m in funding, which will leave the university to contribute the remaining £3.5m.

The Bodington site is currently used for grass sports, and it is hoped that this purpose will continue after the developments have finished.

Olympic triathlete and former Leeds student Jonny Brownlee said: “It would take the triathlon facilities to the next level and make Leeds the complete triathlon city. We really hope that these plans go ahead.”

Shamima Noor