Just two months after its official opening, Northampton Bike Park scooped the Land and Development Award, sponsored by Moore, at the Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards 2022.
West Northants Council and Northamptonshire Sport have worked together to deliver the ambitious project. The bike park has been created on a disused golf course. Retaining the natural features of the land and open areas of the old fairways, there are nine ascending and descending mountain bike runs of varying difficulty from a fully inclusive level to expert, complemented by a learn-to-ride area.
Of the £750,000 it cost to build, £250,000 came from Sport England via the Places To Ride Fund, a partnership between Sport England, British Cycling and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
Now, to build on the success and popularity of the park so far, operator Northamptonshire Sport is looking to work with local business who share the vision of a more active Northamptonshire.
Gabrielle Deere, Strategic Director, Business Development and Commercial at Northamptonshire Sport, said:
“Northamptonshire Sport is proud and excited to have been chosen as the operator of this amazing facility. The plan was to make the Bike Park an inclusive environment where all ages, gender and backgrounds can come and enjoy the trails or just to walk the grounds. We have hosted events and our coached courses are up and running, and we will be running courses for all ages and experience levels. While the Bike Park is free to ride it is not free to operate and so the upkeep of the park depends on donations, sponsorship and car park revenue and we have a great team of volunteers who help maintain the trails and enhance the ecology of the park.”
Cllr Adam Brown, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing, Culture and Leisure at West Northamptonshire Council, said:
“It was fantastic to see the clear impact Northampton Bike Park is having on the communities so shortly after opening. To have this facility and the hard work which has gone into delivering this project recognised at the NBEAs was a true accolade which we’re delighted to celebrate.
“Alongside Northamptonshire Sport we’re pleased to have worked with Sport England and British Cycling to create a facility which offers something for people of any age and ability. We look forward to continuing to celebrate the success of this fantastic leisure facility.”
As plans for the park progress Northamptonshire Sport is looking to partner with like-minded organisations. To find out more about the opportunities available, contact Gabrielle Deere at gabrielle.deere@northamptonshiresport.org or call 07955 441 485
