Region: Bristol

A cycling hub for Bristol and the West of England region is one step closer to becoming a reality after Bristol City Council’s Planning Committee approved plans to create a state-of-the-art facility on Merriman’s and Henacre Open Space in Lawrence Weston.

Plans for Bristol Regional Cycling Hub include:

• A 1km long, 6m wide, closed loop cycling track for training and racing
• A Bikeability (cycling proficiency) rubberised track training area
• A fun 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 NCN41 and Avon Cycleway
• Security fencing, lighting and CCTV

Councillor Ed Plowden, Chair of the Transport and Connectivity Committee, said: “Achieving planning permission is a major milestone and brings us one step closer to creating a traffic-free space that will open up cycling to many more people across Bristol and beyond.

“The regional cycling hub will offer children, families and adults of all abilities a safe, welcoming space to learn to ride a bike, build skills and grow their confidence. By providing inclusive training – from Bikeability sessions for SEND pupils and tailored support for Disabled adults to high quality space for competitive cycling – the hub will help more people enjoy the freedom and independence that cycling brings.

“As a community asset, it will provide more opportunities for people to be active, spend time together and enjoy healthier lifestyles. It will also help bring people together, create new opportunities for training and work, and support a cleaner, more sustainable city by encouraging more everyday journeys by bike.

“We’re delighted to see this project moving forward – it’s an investment not just in cycling, but in the long‑term health, wellbeing and resilience of our communities.”

Construction of Bristol Regional Cycling Hub remains dependent on developing a full business case and securing the necessary funding for the site.

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: “We want to make it as easy as possible for people to stay healthy and active in the West and cycling is a great way to stay fit and travel. Access to places where it is safe for children to learn to cycle, and young people and adults to gain confidence is really important.

“We are committed to get people in the West of England moving and encouraging more people to cycle is a big part of that. We are already investing in safer cycling infrastructure across our region, working with Active Travel England and local councils.

“This planning decision is an essential step towards a new regional cycling hub. Now, the combined authority can soon consider the business case for a new regional cycling centre in Lawrence Weston.”

The cost of developing this business case is being met by the UK Government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, secured by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority. The council is awaiting a decision on the allocation of additional funding needed to build the facility.

View the Planning Committee report.

Original press release by Bristol City Council