NETCO gears up to launch mountain bike park plans

Plans for a major new mountain bike park and adventure centre in the North East of Scotland are set to be unveiled next week.

The NETCO committee is set to announce the findings of a detailed feasibility study at the annual general meeting (AGM), on Wednesday 15th November.

Last year, we appointed a specialist trail design consultancy to assess the potential of three sites in Aberdeenshire for the multimillion-pound development, and validate the project’s commercial viability.

The sites are: Pitfichie Forest, Hill of Fare and Durris Forest.

NETCO chairman Martin Byers said: “We’re really excited about speaking to the public at our AGM in November.  It gives us the first chance, since completing the feasibility study, to present a detailed insight into the scale of our ambitions and finally revealing the much-anticipated preferred location.

“It’s a huge announcement but we’re confident that the project can bring far-reaching social and economic benefits to local communities across Aberdeenshire.

“And we hope that the development we’re proposing will become the focal point that is needed to draw more mountain bikers and other visitors to Aberdeen city and shire, and inspire local people to participate in the sport.”

The multimillion-pound new facility is expected to include more than 40km of purpose-built mountain bike trails for all ages and abilities. A diverse range of adventure activities for families and outdoor enthusiasts could also form part of the plans.

Mr Byers added: “Aberdeenshire has amazing natural mountain biking terrain and a fantastic mountain biking community that has really embraced the idea of a hub development right from the start of our campaign.  

“We’re hugely grateful for all the support we’ve received and hope that everyone who comes to our AGM to hear about the proposals will be as excited as we are about our vision for the region’s mountain bike park.”

The outcomes of a comprehensive economic impact assessment will also be presented at the meeting.

NETCO was established in 2015 to drive forward the vision of bringing a dedicated mountain bike facility to Aberdeenshire – identified as a strategic priority by Scottish Cycling in its 2014 facilities strategy.

The AGM and formal announcement of plans will take place at Transition Extreme, at Aberdeen beach, on Wednesday 15 November from 7pm-9pm.

To secure a place at the AGM, please visit our Eventbright page.