Grant keeps local cycle park on the right track
Project lands almost £300k of funding for next stage
A new cycle park in Cambuslang is moving closer to being the wheel deal after landing further investment.
The Clyde Cycle Park is transforming derelict land into a new hub for cyclists, with work beginning on the project earlier this year.
Now a grant of nearly £300,000 will enable the second phase of the project, covering developing infrastructure such as utilities, fencing and remediation for more track and a pavilion at the site to go ahead.
The funding came from the Scottish Government’s Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme (VDLIP), which aims to drive regeneration, enhance the environment and tackle climate change.
Funds will be shared among 10 schemes, including the cycle park.
John Bachtler, chair of Clyde Cycle Park, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be awarded the additional VDLIP funding of £296,000 towards the next phase of the Clyde Cycle Park.
“We are just coming to the end of the completion of the first phase, funded by Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and South Lanarkshire Council, which involves a 250m circuit for skills training, a small car park, access path and accommodation/storage units.
“This VDLIP grant from the Scottish Government is really timely as it means we can develop the infrastructure of the site, undertake site investigation, provide utility connections for a future pavilion and build new fencing.
“This will lay the groundwork for building further circuits of 1km in length.
“We hope to have community open days for local residents to come and see the project as it is intended to be a resource for the whole community as well as cycle clubs.”
The aim of the Cycle Park is to inspire more people to cycle, whether for fun, to commute into work, or for sports. Cambuslang Community Council, East Kilbride Road Club and Healthy n Happy Community Development Trust (CamGlen Bike Town) have working alongside South Lanarkshire Council and South Lanarkshire Leisure & Culture on the new facility.
Michelle Farmer, vice-chair of Cambuslang Community Council, said: “This is fantastic news for Cambuslang.
“Cambuslang Community Council is one of the founding partners of the Clyde Cycle Park as we have a real need for improved sports and leisure facilities in the area.
“We have been working on this project for more than five years as we see big opportunities for a national standard cycling centre to help improve the economic development of the town and wider area.
“It’s great to see construction happening, with change visible on the ground, and with this new funding it will go from strength to strength.”
The Scottish Government’s Communities Minister Tom Arthur added: “Derelict sites are often found in disadvantaged areas and can be a blight on communities, holding back development.
“This new five-year programme is intended to have a transformational impact and I am pleased to see such diverse and innovative projects benefiting from the first awards.
“They will variously deliver community regeneration, create jobs and help tackle climate change.
“At the same time as announcing these grants, we are opening the programme to projects seeking funding in 2022-23 and I look forward to building on the momentum generated by today’s investments.”