Velodromes are one of the most iconic, engaging and complex sporting arenas of our time. Through decades of experience, our approach to designing and delivering velodromes around the world has become incredibly refined and we are committed to continue evolving this sector specialism.
This velodrome was designed to demystify high-performance sport and make indoor cycling more accessible. The design team’s knowledge of both community and elite sports, particularly the inter-relationships between cycling and other sports, were key to winning this high-profile commission.
As well as the cycling track, the centre features a running track with views of the surrounding park, a sports hall, dance studios and a fitness suite, making it a dynamic venue for leisure and high-level training. The centre offers childcare, reducing barriers to entry, and spaces for meetings and social events, as well as a café with views of the sports hall.
Sport · Velodrome · High-performance
2026
Edmonton, Canada
Client: City of Edmonton
Manchester Velodrome
The National Cycling Centre in Manchester has become the home of British Cycling. Widely considered the most successful velodrome in the world, the building’s role in developing the sport and increasing the UK’s medal tally cannot be underestimated.
As a competition venue it has hosted the Commonwealth Games and World Championships, and was the primary training facility for Team GB in the run-up to the London 2012 Olympic Games.
The centre includes a 250-metre cycling track, BMX facility, spectator seating for 4000 people, and training and support facilities for both elite athletes and the local community. A 122-metre arch supports the lightweight aluminium roof and provides unobstructed views for spectators.
Sport · Velodrome · High-performance
1994
Manchester, England
Client: British Cycling
Mattamy Velodrome
The Pan American Games are the world’s third-largest international multi-sport games. Given FaulknerBrowns’ experience designing world-class sporting venues, we were commissioned to create a velodrome for the 2015 games held in Toronto.
The Mattamy National Cycling Centre is the only velodrome in Canada certified to host international cycling competitions. Housing a 250-metre timber track and expandable 1500-seat spectator area, the centre is the official training facility for the Canadian cycling team.
The building’s form is centred around the geometry of the track and seating bowl—expressed as a simple drum with glazing providing views out to Niagara Escarpment. This simple, strong and dynamic form has become a distinct landmark, recognised as the home of Canadian cycling.
Sport · Velodrome · High-performance
2014
Milton, Canada
Client: Bouygues Building Canada
National Velodrome and Badminton Centre
This landmark venue will house the first indoor velodrome track in Ireland, creating a permanent home for Cycling Ireland and elite cycling athletes, while helping to promote the sport and its health and wellbeing benefits to the wider community.
Located on the Sport Ireland Campus in Blanchardstown, Dublin, the centre will be suitable to host national and small-to-mid-scale international cycling competitions, as well as a variety of other events. The building and surrounding landscape will create an iconic entrance gateway to the campus at the northern corner of the site, as part of a long-term plan for wider development.
A key aspect of the proposal is to construct the cycling track at first floor level, which allows direct access to the infield area. This maximises utilisation of the space, with the potential for a range of activities, including badminton, basketball and volleyball.
Sustainability has been integral to the design process, from the building form, through to the choice of materials and the design of the engineering systems. The building will use a passive and natural approach to reduce the carbon footprint in both construction and operation.
