New urban mountain bike park approved in Leeds!

Work to convert the former golf course at Middleton Park near Leeds into a new mountain bike park could start this week after planning permission was secured and with a funding package close to sign off.

Artist's impression of Leeds Urban Bike Park

What’s planned for Leeds Urban Bike Park?

• 6km cross country loop
• Green cycle trail
• Skills Area
• Jump Zone
• Pump Track
• Mini-Pump Track
• Duel Track
• Dirt Jump Area
• Leeds Urban bike Hub
• Car parking

According to a report from Insider Media, the plans aim to create a destination for enthusiasts from around the country and build on the legacy of hosting the Tour de France and Tour de Yorkshire.

Leeds City Council hopes to redevelop the former Middleton Park golf course, which was closed in 2014.

Planning permission to use the land to create a cycling facility for the local population, which has "a regional and national pull", has been granted.

Later this week (22 March 2017), the council's executive has been recommended to approve a funding package, including £400,000 from British Cycling, £238,500 from Sport England and £524,000 from its own coffers.

The money would be used to develop cross country trails through the woodland at the location and partly on the newer parts of the former golf course. A total outlay of £1.2m is anticipated, with work to get underway immediately with a scheduled completion date of May 2018.

Following the investment the Middleton Park site will become a flagship site for both British Cycling and Sport England.