Planning consent given for £250,000 bike park

Sheffield’s Hillsborough Park is set for more transformation with a £250,000 all wheeled bike park, to be completed by next spring.

The project has been developed and funding secured by Sheffield City Council in partnership with Access Sport, Move More and Sheffield Hallam University.

The facility, which has now been granted planning permission, will provide an inclusive and accessible community asset for the park while further contributing to Sheffield’s plans to promote cycling in the city.

Access Sport is a national charity that specialises in delivering programmes which normalise youth, inclusion and diversity in cycling.

The project at Hillsborough Park aims to help energise youth and inclusive cycling in Sheffield through building a brand-new community cycling facility that will be open to all ages and all abilities.

As well as the facility itself Access Sport will provide equipment such as bikes and helmets, storage facilities for equipment, and regular coaching sessions.

The facility will act as a base for a new community cycling club run by local people. It will also provide the hub for a community outreach programme connecting with local schools and community groups to make sure that all members of society benefit.

Councillor Mary Lea, cabinet member for culture, parks and leisure at Sheffield City Council, said: “It’s a fantastic example of partnership working, drawing on expertise and national initiatives in response to the needs of our communities.

“Not only will it be a great attraction for visitors to Hillsborough Park, but it will enable those with barriers to cycling, such as disabilities, affordability and access, to develop their skills and a love for travelling on wheels.

“Hillsborough Park is one of our finest public spaces and we have great plans for its future as a destination park – it’s the perfect home for this new facility.”

Dr Anna Lowe, programme manager for the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine, said:“I am absolutely delighted that the All Wheeled Bike Park now has planning permission, it is a great step forward in this ambitious project.

“The new bike park will be a fantastic asset for Hillsborough and for Sheffield; it will create new cycling opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get active and will encourage more people to enjoy one of Sheffield’s many beautiful green spaces.”

The facility will include a learn to ride area, a beginners section and an advanced section, allowing all ages and abilities to use the facility and develop their confidence and skills.

Through the partnership with Access Sport the facility is backed by Sport England and the London Marathon Charitable Trust, and is the first investment the Trust have made in a cycling facility outside of London.

Further funding towards the project is being provided by Sheffield City Council’s Parks & Countryside Service public health funded programme of improvements.

In total the partnership has secured more than £250,000 towards delivering the bike park, as well as support from British Cycling.

It is expected the bike park will be constructed and fully open to the public by late spring 2021.

The bike track development comes after it was announced in June 2020 that Hillsborough Park is also set for a new £1m community café and activity centre supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

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