Planning consent given for £250,000 bike park

Sheffield’s Hillsborough Park is set for more transformation with a £250,000 all wheeled bike park, to be completed by next spring.The project has been developed and funding secured by Sheffield City Council in partnership with Access Sport, Move More and Sheffield Hallam University.The facility, which has now been granted planning permission, will provide an inclusive and accessible community asset for the park while further contributing to Sheffield’s plans to promote cycling in the city.Access Sport is a national charity that specialises in delivering programmes which normalise youth, inclusion and diversity in cycling.The project at Hillsborough Park aims to help energise youth and inclusive cycling in Sheffield through building a brand-new community cycling facility that will be open to all ages and all abilities.As well as the facility itself Access Sport will provide equipment such as bikes and helmets, storage facilities for equipment, and regular coaching sessions.The facility will act as a base for a new community cycling club run by local people. It will also provide the hub for a community outreach programme connecting with local schools and community groups to make sure that all members of society benefit.The facility will include a learn to ride area, a beginners section and an advanced section, allowing all ages and abilities to use the facility and develop their confidence and skills.Through the partnership with Access Sport the facility is backed by Sport England and the London Marathon Charitable Trust, and is the first investment the Trust have made in a cycling facility outside of London.Further funding towards the project is being provided by Sheffield City Council’s Parks & Countryside Service public health funded programme of improvements.In total the partnership has secured more than £250,000 towards delivering the bike park, as well as support from British Cycling.It is expected the bike park will be constructed and fully open to the public by late spring 2021.The bike track development comes after it was announced in June 2020 that Hillsborough Park is also set for a new £1m community café and activity centre supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.Age UK Sheffield will restore the derelict Grade II Listed Old Coach House building, with work starting in the autumn.