Kesgrave pump track near Ipswich nearing completion

Regardless of the rising costs, Guy Nicholls of the Tru7 Group said the company "remain committed to delivering a high-quality facility" with the track expected to open next month.

Work started on the pump track last month more than a year after planning permission was first granted, after a redesign of the track prompted the need to reapply for planning permission.

The track is nearing completion, with CCTV, fencing and landscaping to be installed after (Image: Tru7 Group)

The track is expected to be completed early next month with specialist contractors Kent and Clark bringing their experience, including the 2012 London Olympic BMX track to the project.

Throughout the process, the pump track has been funded by Guy Nicholls of the Tru7 Group, which is based in Kesgrave.

He said: "As a family and as a business, we have always felt a deep connection to this area, so supporting the creation of a new BMX pump track in Kesgrave felt like a meaningful way to give something back.

The pump track hopes to encourage young people to exercise more rather than being online (Image: Tru7 Group)

"We are immensely proud of our Suffolk heritage and we are fortunate to be in a position where we can invest in facilities that benefit the local community, particularly its young people.

"The pump track will be a safe, enjoyable place that encourages healthy activity and helps steer young people away from negative influences. It is something we hope will serve the community for many years to come.

The Pump track features rollers and banks that propel users along (Image: Tru7 Group)

"Work is now well underway, and CK Contractors are making exceptional progress, with completion expected in the coming weeks.

"Although we originally estimated the build at around £100,000, costs have risen significantly since the plans were first submitted. Even so, we remain committed to delivering a high-quality facility that the whole community can be proud of.”

What is the Kesgrave Pump Track?

In September 2024, consultations for the pump track were reopened. Kesgrave Town Council submitted an amended application for the site, meant to address residents concerns.

Objectors to the plans feared that the site would become a hub for anti-social behaviour and be damaging to the local environment but the plans were unanimously approved by East Suffolk Council in November last year.

In June of last year, plans to alter the track were submitted to the council with work on the track able to get underway after the approval of the plans came through.