Northampton Bike Park scoops award win within first year of opening
Business support11 November 2022
Just two months after its official opening, Northampton Bike Park has reached new heights as it scoops prestigious gong at the Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards 2022 on Thursday, 10 November.
West Northants Council (WNC) and Northamptonshire Sport have worked together to deliver this ambitious project, winning the Land and Development Award, sponsored by Moore chartered accountants.
The award category recognises projects which have had a significant impact on Northamptonshire’s community or economy, providing clear consideration and use of innovation to have a positive impact on the environment.
The bike park has been created on a former golf course, which had previously been disused for over six years.
Costing £750K to build, £250,000 of funding came from Sport England via the ‘Places To Ride fund’ a partnership between Sport England, British Cycling and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
The rest of the project costs were funded by West Northants Council, including £50,000 funds of from Public Health Northamptonshire.
Sustainability has played a key part in the development of this project, the park is well served by the local cycle network, from the town centre and neighbouring housing areas, including the Norbital, National Cycle Route 6.
Users of the facility are encouraged to use these sustainable active travel routes to access the site, with parking made available for disabled users and those travelling from further afield.
There was a clear identified strategic need for the project, as set out in the Northamptonshire Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2016-2020 which proposed a range of measures to reduce health inequalities such as creating spaces, facilities and infrastructure to enable people to make healthier choices.
The bike park offers a leisure facility which can be accessed by people of all ages and abilities.
"It is fantastic to see the clear impact which Northampton Bike Park is having on our communities so shortly after opening.Cllr Jonathan Nunn, Leader of WNC.
"To have this facility and the hard work which has gone into delivering this ambitious project recognised at the All Things Business awards is a true accolade which we’re delighted to celebrate.
"Alongside Northamptonshire Sport we’re pleased to have worked with Sport England and British Cycling, Delapre Golf Centre, and dedicated volunteers to create a facility which offers something for people of any age and ability.
"We look forward to continuing to celebrate the success of this fantastic leisure facility."
Local physical activity, health and wellbeing charity, Northamptonshire Sport, manages the day-to-day operations of the park.
Two members of the Northamptonshire Sport team continue to oversee the development and maintenance of the bike park, whilst working with partners to ensure the site is inclusive, benefitting as many people in the local community as possible, from children to experienced mountain bikers.
"Northamptonshire Sport are proud and excited to have been chosen as the operator of this amazing facility.Gabrielle Deere, Strategic Director – Business Development and Commercial at Northamptonshire Sport.
"The plan is to make the Bike Park an inclusive environment where all ages, gender and backgrounds can come and enjoy the trails or just to walk the grounds.
"The park is already popular with the local community, we have hosted led rides and this weekend the first of our coached courses starts.
"We will be running courses for all age groups and standards.
"The upkeep of the park is funded by the car park revenue and the great volunteers who will help us maintain the trails and enhance the ecology of the park."
For more information, visit the Northampton Bike Park website.