Hopkins Architects’ plans to build a new £1.75m (US$2.66m, €2.4m) pavilion at the historic Herne Hill Velodrome in London have been approved.

The velodrome dates back to 1891 and is the last surviving venue from the 1948 Olympics, but the old pavilion had fallen into disrepair despite the track itself still being regularly used.

Local councillors unanimously voted in favour of the new plans to regenerate the velodrome, where Olympic champion Sir Bradley Wiggins – who broke cycling’s prestigious hour record yesterday (7 June) at London’s Lee Valley VeloPark – learnt to race as a child.

Hopkins’ plans involve the reorganisation of facilities on the site to provide more useable space. The designs come from the same hand as the architect behind London’s Olympic Velodrome – Mike Taylor.

The new pavilion will include changing facilities and a coach’s room, as well as covered outdoor seating and a new meeting/club room featuring views over the track. Original cast iron columns from the 1890s have been incorporated into the design.

Plans were submitted to Southwark Council by the Herne Hill Velodrome Trust, with the organisation having been established in 2011 to ensure the regeneration and continued use of the site.

Scheduled for completion in summer 2016, opening would be in time for the facility's 125th anniversary.

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