Proposed £15 Million Regional Cycling Hub Planned Near M5

Bristol City Council has initiated a consultation regarding a potential £15 million regional cycling hub, designed to accommodate individuals of all skill levels, which may be constructed close to the M5 motorway. The proposed facility is located in Lawrence Weston, adjacent to Kings Weston Avenue. This prospective hub, situated at Henacre Open Space, is envisioned as a replacement for the Bristol Family Cycling Centre in Hengrove, which is scheduled to operate until 2027. Councillor Ed Plowden, who chairs the transport and connectivity committee, stated: “This is an opportunity to build a fantastic traffic-free environment dedicated to cycling.” He further commented: “It would put Bristol on the map for regional and national youth series cycling competitions, and we could also offer employment, training opportunities, and community programmes.” Features of the new hub could encompass learning areas for cycling, a 1km (0.6 mile) competition track, a car park, and enhanced links to the existing local cycle network. Concurrently, thousands of activists are voicing opposition to proposals for constructing residential flats at the present cycling location, which is designated to become part of the Hengrove Park housing estate. Mr Plowden remarked: “We’re keen to find out how people would use the proposed cycling hub and want to hear from residents in the surrounding area as well as those across Bristol.” The submission of a planning application for this hub is anticipated in spring 2025. Funding for the initiative is expected to come from the government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement fund, which the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority will secure. The public consultation period will conclude at the end of January. Additional information regarding the consultation’s drop-in sessions is available on the city council’s website. BBC Bristol can be followed on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright for this content is held by the BBC, 2024, with all rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the material found on external websites. Information regarding the BBC’s policy on external linking is also available.