A new BMX facility is moving into the final construction stages with earthworks and drainage work almost finished, says the Rotorua Lakes Council.

To mark progress, the council met with sponsors at the development area art Waipa, five miles south of Rotorua.

The project has been a partnership, with council working alongside Red Stag and the local BMX club to enhance the reserve.

Significant funding investment from Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust has enabled the council to meet enhancement requests from the public.

The next phase will include construction of a carpark area and final shaping and surfacing of the track.

Two start ramps, an 8-metre ramp for pro-elite riders and a 5-metre ramp for regular riders, will be constructed simultaneously.

The BMX club aim the track will be operational before the end of summer with the construction of club rooms to follow.

Rotorua BMX Club president Kylee Stevens says the club had had 'fabulous support” from local businesses which had donated funds and services.

'Our vision has been to create a leading-edge facility [to] increase participation and enhance performance for local riders and create pathways from beginners to elite riders.

'We have an amazing resource here at Waipa that will help us to attract and run successful BMX events and put Rotorua on the map globally.”