Construction of a new West Lothian Cycle Circuit will start later this year.
It is expected that work will begin in September with construction completed expected to be complete in early in 2023.
The facility will be leased to the Linlithgow Community Development Trust who will be responsible for the management of the facility. Final arrangements on the lease and operational management will be finalised between West Lothian Leisure and the Linlithgow Community Development Trust.
The new facility will be based at Kettilstoun Mains, Linlithgow and is being part funded via the national Cycling Facilities Fund.
The total project is expected to cost £1.25 million. £636,000 has been provided via the national Cycling Facilities Fund.
West Lothian Council is providing £349,000 with the remaining costs being generated from a range of external funders, including community fundraising.
The tender package was finalised in conjunction with sportscotland, Scottish Cycling, British Cycling, and project design consultants.
The Cycling Facilities Fund aims to support cycling facility projects across Scotland through an £8million fund, made possible through a £4 million commitment from Scottish Government and £4 million from sportscotland through National Lottery funds.
Leader of West Lothian Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: “We are delighted that the project is moving forward and this is an exciting time for cycling enthusiasts in West Lothian.
“Various partners are working to deliver this project at a time when there is a significant pressure on public funding.
“West Lothian Council is committed to improving local facilities where possible and are extremely pleased to be able to lead on the development of this project before the management of the facility is taken over by the Linlithgow Community Development Trust.
“The plans look fantastic and feedback from the local cycling community has been extremely positive. We look forward to work beginning later this year.”
In case you need a quote from us, here are a couple of lines from our Chief Executive.
Stewart Harris, chief executive, sportscotland said: “Next year the inaugural UCI Cycling World Championships will be hosted in Glasgow and across Scotland. It will be the single biggest cycling event in history, bringing together 13 existing UCI World Championships into one mega event for the first time ever.
“We want to deliver a lasting impact from the 2023 UCI Cycling Worlds by inspiring new and existing cyclists to make cycling a sport for life.
“Facilities like the West Lothian Cycle Circuit will play a key role in delivering on that ambition, creating opportunities for people to take part in cycling in their local community which is why we were delighted to invest in this exciting project.”
Don't miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here
