Plans for Bath Bike Park scrapped
Banes Council says rising costs and a lack of funding has made the idea unviable
Plans for a mountain bike park in Bath have been shelved, because of rising costs.
Bath and North East Somerset (BANES) Council has announced the news today (December 1) saying going ahead would require "substantial further borrowing" during "unprecedented financial challenges", which the council says it will not do.
"A 20% increase in supply costs alongside additional site costs have impacted on the viability of the proposal which means the Bath Bike Park project cannot progress," a statement from the council reads.
"The council had planned to fund the project through a combination of its own capital funding and by attracting external support, however a bid to the British Cycling Places to Ride Fund was unsuccessful and due to the current national economic climate, it has become increasingly difficult to attract funding for projects of this nature."
The plan had been to create a bike park on the site of the former Entry Hill golf course.
“The site will remain as it is for the short term," Councillor Mark Roper, cabinet member for Economic Development, Regeneration and Growth, said.
"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.”
A Bristol based company called Pedal Progression had been appointed by the council to create the Bath Bike Park.
Their founder Matt George says they are "disappointed" by the news.
“This project has been close to our hearts for nearly four years, and a dream for much longer," he said.
"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.”