Sizewell C contractors revive popular BMX track for local young people
- Leiston BMX pump track gets major upgrade with new surfacing, landscaping, and fencing
- More than 20 local children and family members join Mayor for official reopening
- Project delivered through Sizewell C’ Site Social Benefits Forum which connects contractors to local good causes
Sizewell C contractors have revived a popular BMX track in Leiston, with significant improvements completed in time for the summer holidays.
Workers from Jackson Civil Engineering, Toppesfield, Ovenden, Lynch, and ATM volunteered their time, expertise, and resources to give the pump track a much-needed makeover after it had fallen into disrepair in recent years.
The upgraded facility was officially opened on Monday by Cllr Nicky Corbett, Mayor of Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town Council, which owns the track and supported the project.
Around 20 children and their families also attended the celebration.
Charmaine Emmerson, whose son uses the track, said: “It looks absolutely brilliant. It was always busy down here before, and the track is now big enough for multiple children to use it at the same time. We will be spending a lot of time down here in the summer.”
Pump tracks are purpose-built circuits featuring a series of rollers and banked turns that allow riders to maintain speed and flow through body movement rather than pedalling.
Originally built in 2015, Leiston’s pump track, at King George’s Recreation Ground, had gradually fallen into disrepair.
Caroline Rinder, Responsible Finance Officer and Assets Officer at the Council, said: “Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town Council is delighted to see the BMX track brought back to life for our community. This project is a fantastic example of organisations working together to create something positive for young people, giving them a safe and enjoyable space to be active, have fun and make the most of the summer.”
The project was made possible through Sizewell C’s Site Social Benefits Forum, which brings together contractors to identify opportunities to support local communities and create a positive legacy alongside construction of the new nuclear power station.
Jackson Civil Engineering, based in Ipswich, coordinated and managed the project, while Toppesfield, based in nearby Claydon, provided a new hard-wearing asphalt surface. Earthmoving specialist Ovenden carried out landscaping works, Lynch supplied an excavator, and ATM donated and installed fencing around the track.
Damian Leydon, Sizewell C’s Site Delivery Director and chair of the Sites Social Benefits Forum, said: “This project is an excellent example of the work being delivered through our Site Social Benefits Forum, which is focused on creating social value safely and efficiently for local communities.
“On behalf of the project, I want to thank Jackson, Toppesfield, Ovenden, Lynch, and ATM for delivering such a fantastic outcome. Their work has accelerated much-needed improvements to this valued community asset, benefiting local people while enabling Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town Council to prioritise funding for other initiatives across the town.
“Jackson and its sub-contractors have truly embodied the values of Sizewell C and they’re helping to demonstrate what it means to be a good neighbour.”
The track improvements now provide a safe and enjoyable outdoor space for young people to stay active, build confidence and spend time with friends – while demonstrating the positive impact local partnerships can have on the wider community.
Jackson Managing Director Brian Crofton said: “Being involved in the Sizewell C Project is not just about building a new piece of UK renewable clean energy infrastructure, but also about ensuring that we have a positive impact on the community of Leiston. Our work on the Sizewell C project is about more than building vital energy infrastructure for the UK, it’s about the lasting legacy we leave behind in Leiston.
“We are incredibly proud that Jackson, alongside our dedicated supply chain partners, has transformed the local BMX track into an enjoyable space for the community. By investing our time and resources here, we’re ensuring that local families have a safe, vibrant environment to stay active and enjoy the outdoors for generations to come.”
Images can be downloaded here