Get involved in plans for new Cornwall Cycle Hub

Residents, cycling clubs, schools and partners are invited to feed into proposals from British Cycling, Sport England and Cornwall Council for a state-of-the-art Cycle Hub for Cornwall. If plans and funding are approved, bike riders of all ages and abilities will be able to try out a range of exciting, fun and exhilarating cycling activities at the fully accessible Cycle Hub proposed to be built on Council owned land near the Newquay Aerohub Business Park.

The development of the Cycle Hub comes amidst an unprecedented increase in the number of people cycling during lockdown and the legacy from Cornwall hosting the first stage of the Tour of Britain cycling event in September 2021. Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for transport Geoff Brown said: “By taking up cycling we can all help improve air quality, do our bit to tackle climate change by leaving the car at home and reducing our carbon footprint, as well as improve our own health and wellbeing.”

Grant opportunities to fund the £3.8 million facility are being explored including an application to the government for investment through their new Gear Change investment strategy for walking and cycling and British Cycling’s Places to Ride Fund.

Geoff Brown said: “The Cornwall Cycle Hub will offer a safe environment for cyclists to practice, learn, train and have fun with activities on offer including BMX, road, mountain biking and cyclocross. With Cornwall now hosting the Duchy’s largest ever sporting event, the Tour of Britain, in September 2021, and the Council investing in more strategic and recreational cycle routes, this is the time to build a home for cycling in Cornwall. It will create more opportunities for everyone of any ability and experience to cycle.”

John Fitter, Cornwall Councillor for St Mawgan and Colan said: “This is a great opportunity to bring a state-of-the-art facility to my division which will encourage residents and visitors to the mid Cornwall area. The plan is for British Cycling coaches to not only be on site to offer their expertise, but to work in the community as ‘Community Activators’ which will be great for locals.”

An existing bus stop on the road outside the Aerohub Business park and plans to create a safe cycle way linking with quiet lanes towards Newquay and Porth will mean that families and visitors will be able to arrive by bike, public transport or on foot.

The ambition is to submit a planning application and have funding confirmed by the end of 2020 so that work can start in 2021 and the Cycle Hub be ready for action by the end of 2021. Geoff Brown adds: “This is hugely exciting for Cornwall and Newquay. The Cycle Hub will be for everyone whatever their ability whether that is a child just learning on a balance bike, someone wanting to get fit or gain confidence, or those that wish to take part in the competitive thrill of racing. It will be a massive incentive to encourage people to take up cycling for for their health and well-being.”

Andy Farr, British Cycling Head of Business Planning and Transformation said: “We are delighted to be working with Cornwall Council and other stakeholders to bring forward this exciting development, which will provide a regionally significant hub for cycling and link into the Council’s wider plans for development of cycling at all levels. The breadth of facilities proposed will give opportunities for riders at all different stages, from learning to ride for the first time, through to cycle sport competition and training. The scope of the project will include many different cycling disciplines, including mountain biking, road cycling, BMX, cyclocross and others, meaning that there should be opportunities for everyone. The South West has traditionally been under-provided for in relation to high quality cycling facilities and this hub will be a huge step forward for the region.”

You can give your views on the initial concept masterplan to help make it a venue that you, your family, club or organisation will want to use.

The consultation documents and the surveys for clubs, schools and partners can be found here https://cornwalltourofbritain.co.uk/legacy.

Or you can get involved on the Let’s Talk Cornwall website https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk from 17 August.

If you would like any further information, have ideas or opportunities for the Hub or you think you could help us to fund this exciting opportunity please email cornwallcyclehub@cornwall.gov.uk