New £15m regional cycle hub could open near M5

It is hoped the regional hub will put Bristol on the cycling map

A £15m regional cycling hub catering for people of all abilities could be built near the M5 motorway.

Bristol City Council has started a consultation into the facility in Lawrence Weston, near Kings Weston Avenue.

The proposed hub at Henacre Open Space could replace the Bristol Family Cycling Centre in Hengrove, which is set to remain open until 2027.

Councillor Ed Plowden, chair of the transport and connectivity committee, said: "This is an opportunity to build a fantastic traffic-free environment dedicated to cycling."

He added: "It would put Bristol on the map for regional and national youth series cycling competitions, and we could also offer employment, training opportunities, and community programmes."

The new hub could include areas to learn to ride, a 1km (0.6 mile) competition track, a car park, and improved connections to the local cycle network.

It is hoped government funding will pay for the new hub

Thousands of campaigners are opposing plans to build flats at the current cycling site, which will become part of the Hengrove Park housing estate.

"We're keen to find out how people would use the proposed cycling hub and want to hear from residents in the surrounding area as well as those across Bristol," said Mr Plowden.

A planning application for the hub is expected to be submitted in spring 2025.

It is hoped the scheme will be paid for through the government's City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement fund, which will be secured by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.

The consultation is running until the end of January

More details about the consultation's drop-in events can be found on the city council website.