Return of cycling centre will be ‘fantastic asset’ for town

Plans for a new cycling hub in Dunfermline’s Pittencrieff Park have been hailed by town councillors.

Fife Council’s City of Dunfermline area committee approved the contribution of £90,000 towards turning the former animal park into a multi-purpose cycling centre this week.

Committee chairwoman Councillor Helen Law said she was “delighted” to see the project progressing.

“Dunfermline has invested heavily in cycling in recent years and I think this could well be another fantastic asset for Dunfermline,” she said.

“This is such an exciting project and I think it will be absolutely great when it’s up and running.”

The initiative is likely to bring back memories for Fifers of a certain vintage who may remember the popular bicycle park that used to be situated in the Glen.

The Carnegie Dunfermline Trust will cover the cost of equipment involved in the first two phases of the new scheme, while Dunfermline Cycle Club – as the lead organisation involved – will cover all the running costs once the new unit is established.

Community manager Joe McGuinness stressed: “This isn’t just a howff for Dunfermline Cycling Club – we firmly believe that this development will enhance the provision in the park.”

Concerns have been raised about the effect of more cyclists on the park’s peacock population and a further report looking at the park’s impact on the Glen’s famous local wildlife has been requested by committee members.

The former animal centre has been in a state of disrepair for many years and has latterly served as a storage area for workers in the Glen.

The former animal centre in the Glen.