At last you can now be just as active getting to New Mills Leisure Centre as inside thanks to new cycle parking stands.
The centre has finally replaced its old, useless and not very secure wall-mounted front wheel racks with four new standard Sheffield stands. Now we can leave the car at home to cycle and swim, spin, or work on those weedly cycling arms in the gym. (Nah let’s not go that far.)
Secure cycle parking should be a given for a leisure centre, it’s such a basic ask, but it has taken so long to be heard on this.
Years ago I went round in circles for ages with the then operator of the centre, a company separate from the council. They said to contact High Peak Borough Council as leisure provider, HPBC said to contact the operator, who just did not want to know. Derbyshire County Council who own the land the car park’s on were no help either, even though the car park is constantly overflowing and was recently completely resurfaced at all taxpayer’s expense (even those who don’t drive).
Two things changed. One, the centre is now run more directly by a company set up and owned by High Peak and Staffordshire Moorlands councils. Two, they consulted on a multi-million pound redevelopment to the inside of the centre. This included proposals for a revamped “group cycling studio” with the “latest immersive audio/visual technology”. Ok if that’s your thing I’ll try not to laugh, but an immersive spin studio with only car parking outside? Couldn’t make it up.
Eyeing the opportunity to strike, probably 99% of my consultation response was about lack of cycle parking and for good measure I followed it up with a good old polite and pleading email to the new management. Rejoice, because the HPBC Leisure Services team now really seem to get it:
“We understand your concerns about the existing cycle racks and we recognise that current facilities are not appropriate. We have therefore decided to replace these with the Sheffield stands that you suggest and have used these at other sites. The stands are now on order and will be fitted within the next few weeks. Through our Move More Strategy we are committed to encouraging people to walk, run or cycle to the facility, which as you say, is right on the doorstep of the Sett Valley Trail.”
The centre serves not just New Mills but a big portion of the High Peak out to Birch Vale and Hayfield, handily placed right alongside the Sett Trail Trail. For swimming, it’s the nearest option for Whaley Bridge, Chinley and Chapel-en-le-Frith too. (With the way the latter two have expanded with new housing, Chapel really should have a pool of its own, shouldn’t it?)
In a nice two-for-one, these stands will also make up for the complete lack of provision at the nearby Sett Valley surgery and medical centre. (Is this wall rack in front of the doorway still there? Always made me laugh.)
Before someone says it: I know the new stands are right up against the wall and that’s not ideal, nor are they covered which would’ve been nice, but let’s not make perfect the enemy of good. They’re very well-spaced and actually sunk in the ground. Could’ve been a toast rack or bolted in.
Overall public cycle parking tally in New Mills just increased by 50%! Central station next target?
• I’ve added these stands to my Peak District Cycle Parking Map. No more scouring Street View: find all the places you can securely lock up in and around the Peak on one map, with details and photos.
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