Work starts on Cuningar Loop's bike skills park

26 November 2014  |  

Forestry Commission Scotland's £5.7 million Cuningar Loop project that is transforming 15 hectares of derelict land on the banks of the River Clyde into an attractive woodland park is all set for work to start on the design and build of the bike skills park in the activity zone.

Pump Track - Bristol

The bike skills park is being designed for mountain biking, BMX and dirt jump bikes and will accommodate entry level cyclists and skilled users. Cuningar Loop's unique shape will enable four tracks to be developed: a balance track, beginners track, improvers track and pump track for advanced cyclists.

Cycling Scotland has been involved in the design tendering process and bike trail specialist, Architrail appointed to design and build the bike skills park. Work starts on-site this week where Architrail will be preparing the ground before starting on the build, which will be completed in February 2015.

Pump Track - Bristol

Forestry Commission Scotland project manager for Cuningar Loop, Joneen Clarke commented: "We appointed Architrail for their extensive knowledge, experience and genuine passion to deliver the bike skills park at Cuningar Loop that will appeal to complete beginners right up to those seeking a more serious challenge."

Edd Wright from at Architrail comments: "We can't wait to get started on this project. It will be a great facility to learn and develop fundamental bike skills on. The development at Cuningar Loop is a fantastic use of the space and is sure to be a great asset to the local and wider community."

"We've been building trails for over ten years completing UK and international projects, including the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games track at Cathkin Braes and the London 2012 Olympic legacy facility at Hadleigh Farm. The trails at Cuningar Loop have taken inspiration from our past projects and contain features that are found on a larger scale at Cathkin Braes."

"Our trails are not only fun to ride, but are built for longevity by using construction methods that ensure the trails remain in a high quality state well beyond the date of completion."

The activity zone will also feature Scotland's first outdoor bouldering park, an adventure play facility and trim trail. The project has benefited from the Legacy 2014 Active Places Fund, sportscotland's Sports Facilities Fund and funds from Forestry Commission Scotland to create a final budget of £571,500 for the activity zone, making it bigger and better than originally planned.

Cuningar Loop is due to open in summer 2015. It is close to the Commonwealth Arena and Sir Chris Hoy Veldrome and aims to attract over 100,000 visitors by 2021.

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