В Бристоле перед строительством велодорожки потребуются масштабные работы по очистке от асбеста

Extensive clean-up needed for new Bristol regional cycling centre built on old landfill The new cycling centre could open in a couple of years An extensive clean-up operation is needed before the new Bristol regional cycling centre can be built on top of an old landfill. In the 1950s and 60s the landfill in Lawrence Weston was used for dumping hazardous materials such as asbestos, when there were far fewer rules. Construction on the £15-million Bristol Regional Cycling Hub on Henacre Open Space is due to begin next March and finish in September 2028. The plans include a 1km racing track for championship competitions and a training track for people to learn how to ride a bike safely. Bristol City Council is planning to use the new cycling centre to replace the Bristol Family Cycling Centre in Whitchurch, which is earmarked for housing. The transport policy committee is due to vote on approving the full business case on Thursday, July 9. A committee report said: “Early or enabling works are required to address the contamination at this site and make the land safer, structurally stable, and reduce human exposure to harmful contaminants including asbestos, hydrocarbons, and other harmful contaminants. “Families and individuals will benefit from bespoke sessions to learn to ride and improve skills with instruction from qualified cycling instructors alongside an extensive programme of sporting activities and new pathways into cycling.” Early works on site are due to begin between September and November later this year. Dozens of holes in the ground have been dug to check what harmful materials are buried there, including asbestos, hydrocarbons like tar and oil, and heavy metals like lead and nickel. The cycling centre received planning permission in April, but faced opposition from some local residents. The centre will be built on green open space which is currently free to access, however users will have to pay to enter the site. If the transport committee approves the plans, the business case will be sent to the West of England Combined Authority for final approval. The £15 million to build the cycling centre will come from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, a massive pot of money from the Department for Transport given to city regions to improve public transport and walking and cycling. The location is close to Junction 18 of the M5 at Avonmouth, so is easily accessible for people coming from outside of Bristol.