New cycle training track

A new cycle training area on the south-eastern corner of the Recreation Ground is helping young riders learn to cycle safely and prepare for the roads while being free from the dangers of other vehicles.

The layout of the track is a stylised version of the town centre roads to give some authenticity to it, as are the road signs and names. Road markings, pedestrian crossings and even working traffic lights aim to make the area as realistic as possible.

The area will include new tree planting, the provision of suitably cut tree trunks to form rustic/natural seating and a longer sward of grass to help with a wilding approach in the longer term.

Along with the new timber play area for older children, the cycle track is part of the wider Riverside Project, which aims to help Stratford's economy recover post-Covid by reducing traffic congestion, providing green routes into the town centre, and revitalising the riverside area.

The Riverside Project has been provided with £1.5 million of funding from the Government's Getting Building Fund through the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) to help make the project a reality. It will connect the riverside from the north at Fisherman's Car Park to Lucy's Mill to the south, creating a natural green corridor along the River Avon.

Cllr Tony Jefferson, leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council, said: "Both the play area and cycle track are fantastic additions for children visiting the Recreation Ground. A safe space for youngsters to master riding their bikes is essential for encouraging cyclists of the future and is a great way to have fun and keep fit."

Sarah Windrum, chair of the CWLEP, said: "It is great to see the cycle training area and outdoor play area already in action thanks to the allocation from the Getting Building Fund which was partly established to facilitate infrastructure projects such as this.

"These facilities are part of the wider Riverside Green Corridor scheme which is an integral part of the CWLEP's Strategic Reset Framework for a green and sustainable future for the area.

"This will involve designing more environmentally-friendly routes into Stratford-upon-Avon and further promoting walking and cycling to improve air quality and health and wellbeing which will lead to more leisure and economic opportunities."

Getting Building Fund

On 4 August 2020, the government confirmed the list of over 300 successful projects which will receive a share of £900 million from the Getting Building Fund.

The full list of projects is available on GOV.UK.

The Getting Building Fund is investing in shovel-ready infrastructure projects to create jobs and support economic recovery across the country.

Projects funded include:

• regeneration of town and city centres
• green infrastructure and clean energy
• transport and digital connectivity improvements
• unlocking of housing and business sites
• support for SMEs and learners

The successful projects (over 300) are expected to deliver up to 85,000 jobs, over 1,500,000 sqm of commercial floor space, unlocking 45,000 homes, almost 1,000,000 sqm of public realm or green space improved or created, over 50,000 new learners assisted