Deal for National Cycling Centre naming rights ‘close to agreement’

A DEAL deal to sell naming rights for the National Cycling Centre in Manchester to a so-far-unknown organisation is on the cards.

The proposal is to be considered by Manchester City Council’s executive on Wednesday  December 14.

It would see an organisation sign an eight-year agreement with the council to purchase naming rights for Manchester’s world-famous gold medal factory.

Negotiations between the organisation and the council are at an advanced stage.  If approved by the council’s executive, the proposed deal would take effect from January 1.

Permission for the proposed deal to be pursued was granted by Sport England and all revenue generated through the agreement would be re-invested into sport and leisure initiatives in Manchester.  

As well as serving as the training base for Team GB’s Olympic and Paralympic champions, the National Cycling Centre is also home to a hugely popular community programme of track cycling and BMX activities for amateur cyclists of all ages.  More than 200,000 visits to the centre were recorded in 2015/6.

Executive member for culture and leisure Cllr Luthfur Rahman said: “The National Cycling Centre is one of the jewels in the UK’s sporting crown.

“Millions of people nationwide have been inspired by the achievements of the phenomenal elite cyclists who train at the centre, while thousands of cyclists of all skill levels also benefit from the world-class facilities on offer.  

“The proposed naming rights agreement would generate significant new funds, which will help us to protect and enhance Manchester’s already enviable sport and leisure offer – ensuring that many more of our residents enjoy new opportunities to get active by taking part in sport.”