Cycling hub rolls into new home on Stockton High Street
A new cycling and walking centre offering everything from free bike parking to guided rides and walks has opened in Stockton High Street.
![Stockton's cycling hub Image of Stockton's cycling hub](https://stockton.gov.uk/image/607/Stockton-s-cycling-hub/standard.jpg?m=1636363596320)
'The Hub' has relocated from Bridge Street to the former Burton's shop, which has been brought back to life through a beautiful restoration by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.
It is managed by Sustrans, a charity which is all about making it easier for people to make their everyday journeys on foot or by bike.
What does The Hub offer?
The Hub not only offers free bike parking with no hourly limits (but please collect it the same day) but also a wealth of free information, advice and training on all things walking and cycling.
The Hub team runs weekly guided walks and rides around Stockton, and training courses on cycle maintenance, learning to ride, and on-road cycling.
It even offers free bike MOTs every Thursday, run by qualified volunteer mechanics - just bring your bike in before 11am.
Where is it?
The Hub is now based in the former Burton's store, opposite the Parish Church, at the Stockton High Street entrance to Wellington Square.
What do councillors think?
Councillor Mike Smith, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: "This is another great example of the Council investing in sustainable travel in the Borough.
"The Hub was the first centre of its kind in the UK and provides a brilliant service to our residents, offering advice on everything from your school run to your daily commute.
"Moving The Hub to such a prime location at the heart of Stockton High Street makes it worthy of its name. It also happens to be a great example of what the Council can achieve when it steps in and takes control of an empty building.
"This beautiful old building was standing empty but we have been able to step in and take control - renovating it to a very high standard and finding a new use for it, in this case, as the home of a valuable public service.
"I would encourage anybody to see what the service can do for them. I bet there are many attractive places in the Borough to cycle and walk that you weren't even aware of!"
When is it open?
The Hub is open from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.
How can I find out more?
The Hub is now open so pop in if you have any questions.