Council puts brakes on bike park scheme
Plans for a new mountain bike and activity park on Bath’s former Entry Hill golf course have been abandoned due to rising costs.
Bath and North East Somerset Council broke the news last Thursday and said the site would remain as it was “for the short term”. The decision follows a failed bid to attract external funding.
Pursuing the venture would mean borrowing more money at a time when local authorities are already feeling the squeeze, the council explained. It added that supply costs had soared by 20 per cent alongside rising site costs, making the scheme unviable.
Bath Bike Park would have been funded by a mixture of council capital and external support, but a failed attempt to secure cash from the British Cycling Places to Ride Fund derailed these plans.
B&NES Council said the current economic climate had made it “increasingly difficult” to attract funding for this kind of project.
Councillor Mark Roper, the cabinet member for economic development, regeneration and growth, said: “The council’s intention for this project was to fund it through capital and a mix of external funding as is common for these types of schemes, however as costs have risen and external funding has proved difficult to attract, the council has made the decision not to progress the planning application.
“The site will remain as it is for the short term. Valuable work has been undertaken on ecology, ground condition and heritage value which will inform the council on its future sustainable use.
“Mindful of both the climate and ecological emergencies a range of outdoor leisure activities including walking, running and adventurous play, as well as a forest school, remain possible.
“The council will pause work on any schemes for the site until later in 2023/4 when economic conditions and financing will hopefully become clearer. Any further proposals for the Entry Hill site will be developed in consultation with users and residents.”
Bristol-based company Pedal Progression had been appointed by the council to create the Bath Bike Park.
Pedal Progression founder Matt George said: “This project has been close to our hearts for nearly four years, and a dream for much longer.
“We are disappointed that it’s not been possible to deliver what would have been an incredible recreational asset for the people of Bath and North East Somerset but we understand the reasons behind the decision that has been taken.
“Thank you to those who showed such incredible support and enthusiasm for the project over the last few years and we look forward to working with the council on projects in the future.”
Valuable work has been undertaken on ecology, ground condition and heritage value which will inform the council on its future sustainable use. Cllr Mark Roper
We are disappointed that it’s not been possible to deliver what would have been an incredible recreational asset for the people of Bath and North East Somerset. Matt George, Pedal Progression founder