Lee Quarry, Singletrack’s local trail centre (and site of the Shimano Singletrack Weekender) has been steadily developing over the past few years. First it expanded into Cragg Quarry, then gained a new pump track and skills area, used by the British Olympic MTB Team no less. The Council owned trails are set to develop even further with money earmarked to develop even more quarries in the area.
However, the one thing that’s been lacking has been a place to get refreshments and respite from the wind, rain and, less frequently, burning hot sun.
That’s set to change, as Rossendale Borough Council are currently looking for someone to develop and operate a ‘trail head centre’ at the entry to the quarry at Futures Park in Bacup. As well as being a focal point for the 30km plus of mountain bike trails, the centre will also service visitors to the numerous rights of way that converge in the area.
If you’re ‘suitably experienced’ in developing this sort of thing then you should get in touch with Stephen Jackson to discuss the details of the project or get a detailed information pack. Should you prefer paper, then send a letter to:
Stephen Jackson, Head of Health, Housing & Regeneration,
Rossendale Borough Council,
The Business Centre,
Futures Park,
Bacup
OL13 0BB.
Tel: 01706 252404;
If you’ve not sampled the spectacular and rugged delights of the Lee Quarry trails then maybe you should think about entering the ultimate all-round mountain bike event, the Shimano Singletrack Classic Weekender on the 14-15 July. More information can be found on the Classic Weekender homepage.
http://vimeo.com/26326403
Comments (5)
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Why would anyone do this? You’re only going to lose all the business you build up over 5-10 years when the contract gets awarded to McDonalds or Serco, ala GT, Afan, Coed y Brenin etc…
I think this great news for both local riders (like me) and visitors. However, I echo the sentiments of tree-magnet in light of recent news at Dalby. Is there not an opportunity for a cooperative involving local bike shops, clubs, council etc?
The idea is to do this in such a way that it is developer led rather than council owned and then leased out. That way whoever takes up this opportunity will be in charge of their own destiny it will be their building and their business and they will not be subject to changes in contracts etc. It needs more investment from the business up front but it should mean they can make a long term go of it. So no danger of it going they way of other trail centres.
Very bad idea, there is very little market for a centre in my opinion, there is a brilliant cafe over the road anyway. They could do with a toilet block and a way to stop the pikeys first.
Emma & Tracey?……