Rotorua may be in line for a new elite BMX track with the potential to attract national and international events to the city.

And perhaps unsurprisingly, the idea is drawing praise from the local BMX community.

The new BMX track would potentially attract major events to Rotorua. Photo: File.

Rotorua Lakes Council's Operations & Monitoring Committee have voted to recommend reserve land at Waipa, near existing mountain biking facilities, be leased to the Rotorua BMX Club for 20 years.

The reserve, popularly known as Horse Paddock, would allow the club's existing track and club facilities to be relocated to the site.

The club plans to build a new elite track in the hope of attracting major events as well as continuing to cater for local residents and visitors.

Rotorua resident Kylee Stevens has three sons who compete in the sport and says it's a great idea.

'It will be fantastic for the development of BMX in the region,” says Kylee.

'Our Rotorua youth and the wider region would benefit from a concept like this. If you can get kids on bikes then hopefully you can keep them out of trouble.”

The cost of the new facility was estimated at approximately $600,000. At present only two elite-level BMX tracks exist in New Zealand, in Auckland and Wellington.

A report considered by councillors at the meeting says the track is seen as a natural fit with an area which already has a focus on biking activities, and would reinforce Rotorua's reputation as a biking centre of excellence.

In its current Long-term Plan, Rotorua Lakes Council has committed funding of $1.08 million for development of the area, with approximately $775,000 allocated for construction of an access bridge to the Horse Paddock and car parking.

However, the new lease would have no direct financial impact on council.

In February council gave ‘support in principle' to the club's development plans to allow members to proceed with planning and design work. This was followed by a stakeholder consultation programme carried out in July.

Rotorua BMX Club president Grant Butterworth says he is delighted with council's support for their proposals.

'We're looking forward to working closely with the council on this project,” says Grant.

It's a really bold initiative, but through a strong collaborative partnership with the council and other community partners, we have the potential to create something really special for Rotorua, and for our community.”

Deputy mayor Dave Donaldson highlighted a study that council's Economic Growth Portfolio project control group was undertaking to 'get a handle on the true value of biking activities to the local economy”.

'This will give us a clear platform for making future decisions of this nature,” he said.