The long-awaited cycle hub at Wythenshawe park is set to open this Saturday, September 24. The hub, which includes a pump track, woodland trails, a learn to ride area and a family trail has been under construction since february.
The state-of-the-art hub was made possible by receiving funding as part of the £1.55 million revamp awarded to Wythenshawe Park by Manchester city council and Sport England’s Places 2 Ride fund.
The opening of the hub will be celebrated with an official opening on Saturday, which is open to residents and local councillors. The day will include activities and workshops, including family sessions and demonstrations between 10am and 3pm.
Read more:'This is an area that needs a boost': Residents thoughts on Wythenshawe Park cycle hub upgrades
The council hopes that the new cycling hub will encourage more people to get cycling, and will allow for people to enjoy the sport in a safe, traffic free environment. Meanwhile, cycling lessons will be available at the hub as well as access to free cycling facilities.
The cycle hub is just part of the revitalisation ongoing at Wythenshawe Park as Wythenshawe Hall reopened last week, following an arson attack in 2016. Similarly, a £20m bid to transform the civic centre of Wythenshawe has been submitted to the government.
Councillor John Hacking, Manchester city council’s executive member for skills, employment and leisure, said: “I’m pleased that Wythenshawe Cycle Hub has been completed and is ready for residents to enjoy. This is a great investment on behalf of Manchester City Council and Sport England, through the Places to Ride programme.
“I’d like to thank British Cycling, Sport England and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport for their investment and all those at EQUANS for their hard work on this project.
“The council are dedicated to encouraging more cycling in and around Manchester and Wythenshawe Cycling Hub is a great way to encourage residents to hop on their bikes and improve their confidence cycling in a safe, traffic free environment. The completion of the cycle hub will benefit residents all over Manchester of all ages. I’d encourage all residents to get on their bikes and head down!”
Robert Pickering, lead cycling delivery manager for the Northwest at British Cycling, said: “British Cycling, through its Sport England funded Places to Ride programme, has been working closely with Manchester City Council to develop brand new and exciting range of cycling facilities at Wythenshawe Park, Manchester.
“As well as over three miles of cycling trails through the park, a new mountain bike skills area, learn to ride area and BMX pump track have been constructed offering the community fantastic opportunities to go cycling in the city. For many years, British Cycling has been in partnership with Manchester City Council and the development of these facilities demonstrate the close working relationship between the two organisations for the benefit of the people of Manchester.”
Alyson Seddon, head of education and public buildings at EQUANS, the council’s construction partners on this project, said: “This is a really impressive scheme, which EQUANS is delighted to be involved in on behalf of Manchester City Council and the wider Wythenshawe community. Wythenshawe Park is often the first significant experience of landscape, nature, history and cultural events for people growing up and living in the area, so we’re honoured to have played a part in the park’s future.”
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