Plans to develop a new cycle hub in Reading have been given the go-ahead.

The cycle hub includes the change of unit use at 32 West Street.

The proposed town centre hub is designed to provide more secure and enclosed town centre cycle parking facilities for up to approximately 82 bicycles, with both experienced and novice cyclists in mind. It is envisaged that customers would use an App to book access to the hub.

There is also the potential for other activities to be run from the hub such as a bicycle loan and/or bicycle donation scheme, through the Council working with local cycle partners to provide these activities.

Following extensive research into properties in the town centre, the Council has chosen to locate the hub within a unit at 32-41 West Street, the site of the former Primark Store, which is still owned by the company. It will initially run for one year with funding from the Department for Transport (DfT), beyond which the continuation of the scheme will be subject to evaluation and the ability to secure a sustainable venue and further funding.

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Reading cycle hub is planned to be open 7 days a week, from 7 am to 7 pm and will open in the new year.

Councillor Tony Page, Reading Borough Council's Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, said: "I'm pleased our plans for the cycle hub have been approved and our work towards establishing Reading’s new cycle hub can now progress. Alongside our investment in improvements to cycling and walking routes across the borough, the cycle hub will form an important part of our ambition and vision for active travel in Reading and getting people cycling more.

"I'd like to extend my thanks to the support we've received from Primark, in offering the unit at a reduced rate. By working closely in partnership with Reading Bicycle Kitchen and Ethical Reading, we hope to make this initiative a success. The hub may offer the opportunity for people who may not be able to afford a bike, to cycle, through a 'try before you buy' donation/loan scheme.

"We hope that the hub will encourage many more people to cycle, particularly those who have concerns with theft and/or vandalism. In addition, we need to incentivise travel by bike for leisure purposes, as well as encourage those who may not normally choose to travel this way to consider it as an option."