A new cycle hub has been installed by South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) at a town centre car park in Kendal.

The dedicated changing rooms, cycle parking, maintenance stand and lockers – located on the ground floor of Westmorland Shopping Centre multi-storey car park – are now available for the public to use for free.

Funded by Defra and SLDC, the 10-space facility is designed to be used by commuters and visitors to shops or nearby amenities, enabling cyclists to store their bikes in a secure and central location.

SLDC’s climate emergency and localism portfolio holder, Councillor Dyan Jones, said: “An initiative like this underlines the council’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, by promoting cycling as an alternative to travelling by car.

“The cycle hub is a free facility that makes it easier for people working or visiting Kendal to leave their car at home.

“This means a fitter, healthier and more alert workforce, as well as fewer cars on the road – so less congestion, less pollution and improved air quality.”

Kendal’s new cycle hub is lit and covered, ensuring bikes are protected from the elements. Additionally, the hub has a maintenance stand that allows cyclists to carry out any impromptu repairs or general bike upkeep.

The council say the hub, which is covered by CCTV, may be enhanced in the future to include shower facilities, but this is dependent on usage.

The cycle hub is situated next to Westmorland Shopping Centre car park office and is accessible during operating hours of the car park (Monday to Saturday, 7am to 7pm and Sunday, 9.30am to 5.30pm).

Access to the hub can be made via the pedestrian entrance to Westmorland Shopping Centre near Kendal bus station.

People wishing to the use the facility can collect keys from the car park’s office for the changing room and a personal locker.

A Defra air quality grant of £3,000 helped to create the new bike hub, while SLDC contributed £300 for installation costs.