A new bicycle shelter/storage solution next to the town centre playpark and near Dolerw Park, Newtown is now officially open for use.
The new facility has been funded by Welsh Government and Avanti West Coast through their Community Rail Partnership Fund, with additional support from Open Newtown, The Cambrian Rail Partnership, Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council and Powys County Council.
The hub has been designed and constructed by Turvec Bike Storage Solutions using premium timber and glass panelling. With the addition of a sedum roof and integrated Solar PV array (providing the power for lights and charging points), the facility compliments the surrounding environment.
Key-code access keeps the shelter secure, and integrated drainage removes the need for external guttering.
Managed by the community owned development trust and social enterprise, Open Newtown, registered users will be given an access code to the door and will be required to use their own lock to secure their bike to a stand. The bike hub also houses the towns first public e-charging facilities for users with electric bikes.
For a small annual fee, regular users can now access this facility, allowing them to store their bike securely in a central location when travelling to and from work, as well as for accessing services in the town.
Visitors and ad hoc users will be able to gain access to the shelter by spring next year, to coincide with the ‘grand opening’ of the new Riverside development and other facilities.
Gary Mitchell (CEO) for Open Newtown said “The new bike hub is an excellent addition to the town. Not only will it help promote the benefits of cycling, but it will also help to establish the town as a destination, promoting its big open spaces, access to the river, canal, and other active travel routes. It also adds to a growing number of wellbeing activities available in the town”.
Newtown Mayor, Richard Williams went on to say “There are many benefits to increased cycle use, including improved physical and mental health, reduced vehicle emissions and better air quality. By providing a secure way to store your bike, this facility goes a long way in promoting sustainable, healthy and accessible travel in Newtown and the surrounding area”.
Cllr Heulwen Hulme, Powys County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, added: “Powys County Council has been striving to create and support facilities and improvements to make it possible for residents to be more active and allow them the choice to make short journeys on foot or bike instead of in the car.
“The addition of this state-of-the-art bike hub in Newtown is very exciting. Situated on the riverside path, a National Cycle Network route which joins the Montgomery Canal and provides a traffic free walking and cycling route between Newtown and Welshpool, the hub will allow cyclists using the recently improved active travel routes within the towns to stop and enjoy the park and all that Newtown has to offer.”
