Appeal launched to fund Richmond bike park

An appeal has been launched to secure financial donations and offers of materials or volunteer time to build a new bike park.

A planning application has been submitted for the park on a four-acre plot near the Green Howards Trading Estate in Richmond.

The volunteers behind the scheme are now seeking local organisations and investors to donate materials, volunteer time or make financial contributions

A target of donations worth around £250,000 has been set.

Mother of three Louise Raine, who came up with the idea for the bike park and is chair of the volunteer committee, said: “Together, we can build something incredible for our community.

“We have already been overwhelmed by the support the bike park initiative has already seen and it’s clear just what this means to our community.

 “However, to move this forward swiftly once planning is approved, we need as many pledges of support as possible—whether that’s financial contributions, donated materials, or volunteer time.

“This bike park is more than just a recreational facility—it offers huge benefits for mental and physical well-being, youth engagement, tourism, and the local economy.

“By supporting this project, you’d be investing in a healthier, more active, and connected community.”

The committee said the scheme could help businesses meet their social value obligations following new public sector legislation announced in February.

Volunteers hope much of the project can be delivered through community-led development rather than being dependent on specialist contractors.

A range of local experts, including planning consultants, architects, ecologists, drainage specialists, horticulturalists, and landscape designers, have already donated their time and expertise at little or no cost.

Members of the committee say every pledge of support can make an impact, with 30 volunteers with shovels for a weekend valued at £4,000 worth of labour, 100 tons of donated aggregate worth £5,000 and a local contractor supplying a digger for a weekend the equivalent of £1,000.