British Regional Cycling Hub sees approval

Bristol City Council’s Planning Committee approved plans for a Bristol-based cycling hub, to be located on Merriman’s and Henacre Open Space in Lawrence Weston.

Development details

The details for the facility include:

• 1km long, 6 metres wide closed-loop cycling track for training and racing
• A Bikeability rubberised track training area
• A cycling play area for practising skills
• A two-story building with offices to hire
• Gated car park with EV charging points
• Public footpath surrounding the edge of the site
• Security and CCTV

Comments

Cllr Ed Plowden, chair of the transport and connectivity committee, said: “Achieving planning permission is a major milestone and brings us one step closer to creating a traffic-free space that will open up cycling to many more people across Bristol and beyond.

The regional cycling hub will offer children, families and adults of all abilities a safe, welcoming space to learn to ride a bike, build skills and grow their confidence.

“By providing inclusive training- from Bikeability sessions for SEND pupils and tailored support for disabled adults, to high quality space for competitive cycling- the hub will help more people enjoy the freedom and independence that cycling brings.

“As a community asset, it will provide more opportunities for people to be active, spend time together and enjoy healthier lifestyles. It will also help bring people together, create new opportunities for training and work, and support a cleaner, more sustainable city by encouraging more everyday journeys by bike.

“We’re delighted to see this project moving forward- it’s an investment not just in cycling, but in the  long-term health, wellbeing and resilience of our communities.”

Helen Godwin, mayor of the West of England, said: “We want to make it as easy as possible for people to stay healthy and active in the West and cycling is a great way to stay fit and travel. Access to places where it is safe for children to learn to cycle, and young people and adults to gain confidence is really important.

“We are committed to get people in the West of England moving and encouraging more people to cycle is a big part of that. We are already investing in safer cycling infrastructure across our region, working with Active Travel England and local councils.

“This planning decision is an essential step towards a new regional cycling hub. Now, the combined authority can soon consider the business case for a new regional cycling centre in Lawrence Weston.”

Future of the development

Construction of the Hub remains dependent on developing a full business case and securing necessary funding, currently the cost of the business case is being met by the Government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, which was secured by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.

The Council awaits a decision on the allocation of additional funding.