Former Reading Primark to be turned into cycle hub
Council gives go ahead for hub with 82 secure 'parking' spaces
The old Primark store in Reading town centre is set to become a hub for cycling in the town.
In a major decision, the council has decided to lease 32-41 West Street, the old Primark store, to create a cycling hub.
It will come with 82 secure parking spaces for bicycles and a cycle loan and donation scheme.
Councillor Tony Page (Labour, Abbey) said:
“For years a fundamental part of our cycling strategy has been to try and improve secure cycle parking in the town centre, and particularly with the development of electric bikes there’s a real need to offer a facility that can offer much greater security than is currently available.
“The problem of bike thefts is at historic highs, it’s a problem we are plagued with.”
The hub will also come with a low level maintenance rack so cyclists can inflate tyres and change wheels.
The council also aims for it to be a location where people can get advice, possibly with the help of the Reading Cycling Campaign.
It will be will be open 7am to 7pm Monday to Sunday.
Cllr Page mentioned a ‘short lived’ of a bicycle kitchen in the basement of Jacksons Corner which provided a repair and advice service.
He said: “We’re hoping that this hub will encourage a restoration of that facility.
“The intention is to offer repairs, advice, and generally further stimulate safe cycling in the borough.”
Cllr James Moore (Liberal Democrats, Tilehurst) pointed out a Bicycle Kitchen is running in Weldale Street.
He said: “If we are going to look at the cycle hub as a place for repairs we should definitely choose to involve the Bicycle Kitchen who are still very much an active part of the community.”
The Reading Bicycle Kitchen has permanent premises inside Unit C10, Weldale Street, and is open from 10am to 2pm on Saturdays.
The council has received one year of funding for the creation of the hub, amounting to £249,454, from the Depatment of Transport’s Capability Fund.
Cllr Paul Carnell (Conservative, Caversham Heights) said he was “delighted” with the plan for the hub, and looked forward to finding out how the hub will be established on a long term basis.
To that, cllr Jo Lovelock (Labour, Norcot) said: “Let’s hope whoever is Transport Secretary this week is forthcoming with funding.”