A SOUTHAMPTON bike trail has reopened following a major revamp as part of a multi-million-pound project.

Southampton Bike Park has opened up to the public after months of closure.

Based at Southampton Sports Centre, the improvements include a new start hill, three all-weathered trails with a dedicated push-up and a new advanced jump trail.

A fence has also been installed around the park to ensure the safety of riders and members of the public.

The park originally opened ten years ago and the improvements began earlier this year.

The works were undertaken by Forte Trailscapes - experts at designing and building bike parks.

The work is part of a master plan of improvements to the Outdoor Sports Centre.

Luis Arnold, Co-founder of Southampton Bike Park said: “The Southampton Bike Park community is so excited to reopen following the redevelopment.

"We look forward to once again providing an excellent space for the people of Southampton and beyond to hone their mountain bike skills.

"We’ve had an incredible ten years and we cannot wait to see what the future brings”.

The next phase of the Outdoor Sports Centre project is due to begin in 2023 and will include a new ‘Hub’, new artificial grass football pitches, additional car parking spaces and further developments to the sports centre.

Maxwell Bradbury-Knight, assistant business manager at Active Nation, said: “Active Nation UK is thrilled to see the Southampton Bike Park within the Outdoor Sports Centre reopen.

"This will provide residents of Southampton, and our neighbouring residents, a safe, inclusive, and free-of-charge space for biking."

The improvement works to Southampton Bike Park were part of a successful Southampton City Council bid for funding from British Cycling’s Places to Ride scheme.

The redevelopment works to Southampton Bike Park were funded by Southampton City Council, British Cycling and Sport England.

Cllr Lorna Fielker added: "I am delighted that the redevelopment of the Southampton Bike Park is now complete. The Bike Park is a valued asset to residents and is a much-loved place for the cycling community.

"This significant step marks the first milestone in the delivery of the exciting future vision for the Outdoor Sports Centre project.

"The improvements to the Bike Park and the three fantastic new all-weather trails will allow for an increase of usage all year round including the winter months which will make it easier for cyclists to keep physically active throughout the year."

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook