BRITAIN’S first city centre cycle hub is coming to York after £270,000 was released for the scheme.

The funding from City of York Council and Cycling City York will be used to convert a former electricity sub-station in the shadow of Lendal Bridge into a secure cycle base which will allow 100 bikes to be parked there.

It will be run by the Bike Rescue Project CIC – an organisation which recycles bikes and parts and which will take on a 30-year lease at the site.

The authority’s executive has approved the funding in the hope the hub will lead to city centre businesses encouraging workers to use bikes rather than cars.

“This scheme will help meet a growing need for a secure repository for residents and visitors’ cycles,” said a report outlining the intentions of the cycling hub. “It should help lower the amount of cycle thefts in the city and encourage more people to visit the centre on their cycles in the knowledge that a secure facility is available. It will enable businesses to promote its use to their employees. Cascading benefits would be a lowering of vehicle congestion and environmental impact through more people choosing to cycle.”

The building will also house a washroom, a display and sales area, a repair workshop and a café area and will be open six days a week.

Work is expected to start later this month and the hub station should be open by early autumn.

Bernie Cullen, Bike Rescue director, said: “It’s great news that we now have the necessary funding and support in place to progress with this exciting project.

“It will be really beneficial to residents and visitors who want to travel to the city centre by bike.

“The secure parking will help reduce the fear of bike theft and will ease congestion and pollution in the city centre.

“It will be run by cyclists who understand what is needed to enable people to make stress-free and joyful journeys by bike.”