Fresh images have been unveiled showing the planned £15million regional cycling centre in Bristol will look - as the council has formally submitted its plans for the site.
To be situated on the former landfill site of Henacre Open Space in Lawrence Weston, the Bristol Regional Cycling Hub is set to feature a 1km competition track, a designated area for learning to ride, a car park, a modular building equipped with amenities, and enhanced and new connections to the local cycling network.
Should the council grant itself planning permission, this new hub will supplant the existing Bristol Family Cycling Centre. Currently located 10 miles away at the Old Whitchurch Athletics Track in Bamfield, the centre has been operational since 2010.
However, the existing site is slated for redevelopment into 125 new homes as part of the extensive Hengrove Park estate project, spearheaded by Goram, the council's housing company. This decision sparked a petition signed by thousands in an attempt to preserve the track.
According to planning documents, funding for the new hub is expected to come from the Government's City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, managed by the West of England Combined Authority, following an unsuccessful bid for Levelling Up funds.
In the documents, consultants for Bristol City Council noted: "The proposed development aims to address the growing need for improved active travel through cycling, delivering a wide range of benefits to the community.
"Designed with inclusivity at its core, the facility will cater to individuals of all ages and abilities, encouraging new cyclists while enhancing the skills and confidence of experienced riders.
"The overarching goal is to create a safe and controlled environment where everyone, including school children and individuals with additional needs, can learn and enjoy cycling.
"The proposed development seeks to transform informal open space into formalised sports provision while retaining and enhancing portions of open space with improved footpaths and cycleways for local residents."
The competition-grade track was designed in collaboration with British Cycling for local competitions and regional championships, while the 250m training area for children and adults would be a traffic-free space for developing cycling skills and education.
The consultants stated: "The community are set to gain from proposals with improvements to the existing National Cycle Network/Avon Cycleway route and public footpaths which will preserve good access across the site.
"The existing network of paths will be re-aligned and expanded, improving the accessibility of the area. The shared use path will be wider than the current one and will be well lit for safety.
"The site and buildings are fully accessible for disabled users."
The hub is projected to open in 2027.
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