A new cycle hub will replace a former Primark unit in central Reading under plans proposed by Reading Borough Council.

The town will also receive £1.3m in funding to make cycling easier in Bath Road and Castle Hill, the Government announced.

The money is part of a pledge to invest £2bn by 2025 in cycling and walking routes in the UK.

Conservative MP for Reading West Alok Sharma said: “As we focus on greener and cheaper travel to slash emissions and address the cost of living, it is vital we provide communities with the infrastructure they need to enjoy active travel.”

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He continued: “Providing the infrastructure to boost active, green and cheaper travel not only cleans our air but increases the choice of travel and makes it easier for people to keep active.”

The proposed town centre hub - in 32-41 West Street, which should not be confused with 116-117 Broad Street - is designed to provide a secure town centre cycle parking facility for up to approximately 120 bicycles.

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 further funding.

Reading cycle hub will be staffed and planned to be open seven days a week, from  7am to 7pm and will open later this year.

Joe Edwards, Chairperson of Reading Cycle Campaign, said: "We are delighted that Reading Borough Council is going ahead with the proposed Bike Hub offering secure bike parking and complementary services and activities.

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“We feel that the opportunity for cyclists to safely park their bikes in the town centre will help to boost retail and leisure sales, while reducing car traffic. A great step forward."

Councillor Tony Page, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, said: “I’m delighted we have made good progress towards establishing Reading’s new cycle hub. 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.

“Working closely in partnership with Reading Bicycle Kitchen and Ethical Reading to make this initiative a success, this hub will 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. As we enter the recovery period, following the pandemic, supporting people’s return to work via active travel is a priority for the Council. 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.”