Bike park plans given the green light
Parks, sports and leisure14 December 2021
Plans for a bike park in Northampton were given the green light by our Planning Committee during a meeting this month (Monday 6 December).
It will provide West Northamptonshire with a purpose-built facility catering for all levels of the sport, from beginners through to the more experienced, while respecting local wildlife and accommodating walkers.
The planning application was for the following:
- A multi-user green trail – an easy, dual-direction cycle route across the site, connecting Houghton Hill to the underpass for the A45
- Blue (moderate), red (difficult) and black (severe) off-road mountain bike trails for different abilities - dual tracks will allow head-to-head riding
- Five gathering spots where riders can meet to discuss the next section of track, and coaching can be provided
- Climb sections – uphill sections to test endurance
- A mountain bike skills area
Cllr Jonathan Nunn, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council, said: “This will be an outstanding facility, creating new opportunities for people to get fit and healthy.
“We’re delighted by, and grateful for, the huge amount of support we’ve received for the scheme and we’re really looking forward to delivering something special here.”
Cllr Lizzy Bowen, West Northamptonshire Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth, said: “Our tender process to find a contractor closed on Friday (10 December) and we’ve had a good amount of interest.
“We’ll now need to work our way through the bids and will look to appoint someone next year with a view to starting work by spring 2022.”
The new bike park will be created on the former golf course, which was part of Delapré Golf Centre until around six years ago.
The application is to create five cycle trails which would be free to use, plus landscaping, and ecological enhancements.
Parking would be at the nearby golf centre and the site is connected with other parts of the town by the Norbital cycle route.
Our biodiversity enhancement strategy includes improvements to almost 13 hectares of habitats which will be created and maintained.