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Hadleigh Farm confirmed as Olympic Venue

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) have confirmed that subject to final contract negotiations, the venue for the London 2012 Mountain Biking events will be Hadleigh Farm, Essex.

The new 550 acre venue at Hadleigh Farm, Castle Point near Benfleet encompasses beautiful grassland and woodland owned by the Salvation Army as well as parts of Hadleigh Castle Country Park.

Cllr Stephen Castle, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development Regeneration and the London 2012 Games said: "I am absolutely delighted Hadleigh Farm is the chosen venue for the Mountain Bike event of the London 2012 Olympic Games.  This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to showcase Hadleigh and South Essex to the world, to provide a real legacy both for local people and the international mountain bike community and show everyone all Essex can offer for sport, business, tourism and sustainable regeneration."

Cllr Pam Challis, Leader of Castle Point Borough Council, said:  "I am delighted this exciting event will be coming to Castle Point.  This really will put our borough on the map.   We will be working extremely hard to make sure the heritage of the area is preserved, while also ensuring the event brings a legacy which enhances the whole borough."

Essex County Council, The Salvation Army and Castle Point Borough Council have been working closely together to ensure that Hadleigh Farm delivers a world class mountain biking facility and will leave a lasting legacy for local people. 

This venue for the Games has been approved by the Union Cycliste International (UCI), the British Cycling (BC), the International Olympic Committee, and the British Olympic Association.

Next steps for the London 2012 Organising Committee and Essex County Council include a four month period of detailed planning on the course layout and the temporary facilities required to host the event; securing contractual agreements between all parties and working with the local community on a consultation programme.