Region: Bristol

Plans for a landmark new Bristol Regional Cycling Hub, that could transform opportunities for cycling across the region, are set to be considered by councillors next week. 

The Transport and Connectivity Committee will be asked to approve the full business case (Thursday 9 July) for the £15.63 million project, which would deliver a permanent home for cycling in Bristol, featuring a closed-loop cycling track, learn-to-ride facilities, skills areas and community spaces in Lawrence Weston and Shirehampton. 

If approved, it will be submitted to the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority to secure the full £15.63 million needed to build the state-of-the-art cycling facility.  

Bristol Regional Cycling Hub is planned to be built on Merriman’s and Henacre Open Space in Lawrence Weston and Shirehampton and would include: 

• A 1km long, 6m wide closed loop cycling track for training and racing  

• A Learn-to-ride ‘Bikeability’ rubberised track for cycle training  

• A cycling play area for practising skills 

• A two-storey building with offices, public toilets and rooms to hire 

• A gated car park with EV charging points for customers  

• A new perimeter public footpath around the edge of the site 

• A slight diversion and an upgrade to the National Cycle Network Route 41 and Avon Cycleway 

Councillor Ed Plowden, Chair of the Transport and Connectivity Committee, said: “It would be fantastic to deliver a permanent home for cycling in Bristol. The hub would help people of all ages and abilities build their cycling skills and confidence, providing a better offer for our existing users like special schools, while offering a regional centre for closed-loop training and racing at elite levels. 

“The new hub would support our wider ambitions for sustainable transport, healthier communities and inclusive growth. It also has the potential to become a valuable community asset, bringing people together, widening access to cycling, and creating opportunities for skills development, training and work experience.” 

The planned facility would replace the Bristol Cycling Centre, which is a temporary facility based at the Old Whitchurch Athletics Track in Hengrove, which is earmarked for housing development. 

If the full business case for Bristol Regional Cycling Hub is approved by both the Transport and Connectivity Committee and Combined Authority, and the full funding secured, work could start on site this autumn. Main construction work would then get underway in spring 2027, with the new cycling hub potentially opening in autumn 2028. 

The cost to develop the full business case has been funded through the UK Government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, secured by the Combined Authority. If approved, the cost of building the facility would also be funded through the same programme. 

Find out more about the Transport and Connectivity Committee and download the report. 

Original press release by Bristol City Council