Herne Hill Velodrome: Cash boost for Olympic legacy

The velodrome was fitted with a new track earlier this year

A venue from the 1948 London Olympics still in active use has been given a cash injection to help create a lasting legacy for next year's Games.

Herne Hill Velodrome is to receive £400,000 to develop the venue into a multi-purpose cycling centre.

It is part of a wider £2m programme by Southwark Council to increase the number of people participating in sport in the south London borough.

The velodrome reopened last month after a £500,000 refurbishment.

It had been in a state of disrepair and was fitted with a new track as part of a project funded mainly by British Cycling.

The money from Southwark Council will also fund a new building to support training, cycle storage, changing and refreshment facilities.

Veronica Ward, from the authority, said: "We have chosen projects which we believe will benefit people across the borough, regardless of age or level of fitness."

Funding was also given to Bethwin Sports, Burgess Park BMX Track, Camberwell Leisure Centre sports hall, Homestall Road Sports Ground development and outdoor disability multi-sports court.

Peckham Pulse pool hoist, Peckham Rye pitches and changing rooms, Southwark Park sports complex and Trinity College Centre outdoor sports area also benefited from the cash handout.