A brand new active travel hub has opened right next to the new Ulster University campus in Belfast.

Located at Cathedral Gardens, the hub is housed in two refurbished shipping containers, encouraging people to walk and cycle more in the area.

Scheduled to be on site for two years, the active travel hub is supported by the Department for Infrastructure, the Department for Communities, Ulster University and the Public Health Agency and is being operated by social enterprise Big Loop Bikes and Sustrans.

This Belfast City Council pilot project will offer cost effective bike repairs, bike purchase and leasing schemes from Big Loop Bikes, as well as a programme of activities delivered by Sustrans.

Lord Mayor Councillor Tina Black said: "This Active Travel Hub is part of our Future City Centre Programme, at its core a 'Bolder Vision' for Belfast. We want to encourage people to travel actively and sustainably in Belfast because we’re committed to making a positive contribution to people's health and well-being and helping to protect our environment.

"Cathedral Gardens is a perfect location for the Hub, especially given how close it is for communities at the north end of the city centre and the influx of new students attending the new Ulster University campus. I look forward to seeing lots of people from all over the city and beyond visiting the Hub – whether that's to meet up for a led walk or cycle, get tips on walking and cycling routes, get their bike repaired, to lease or buy a bike - or for training to help them cycle more confidently in the city."

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Welcoming the new Hub, Communities Minister, Deirdre Hargey MLA, commented: "I am delighted to see the positive change being delivered through the Covid19 Recovery Revitalisation Programme. My Department introduced the Programme to assist our towns and city centres in their recovery and it is making real change. I commend Belfast City Council and their partners in their vision for promoting opportunity for healthier lifestyles alongside a cleaner environment. The Hub will no doubt contribute to the area as a vibrant and engaging place for people to enjoy."

Prof Paul Seawright, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Ulster University added: "Ulster University's Belfast campus is 'car free' and we are actively encouraging our staff and students to use sustainable travel options for their journeys to and between campuses. The University has developed its own Park and Ride facility to help support those wishing to avail of bus and rail options; we have been working closely with Translink in providing journey planning advice and have developed a city centre cycling and pedestrian map for staff and students - so if they wish to travel by bus, rail, bike or on foot, there is support and information available.

"In addition, the new Belfast campus offers almost 200 free secure cycle spaces and the University operates a cycle to work scheme, giving staff the opportunity to obtain a bicycle and all the safety equipment they may need.

"It's fantastic to see the Active Travel Hub literally on our doorstep. The University already has an active staff and student cycling community with hundreds of staff and students regularly travelling to campus by bike and the Active Travel Hub will offer them valuable, additional support and will hopefully encourage more staff and students to get cycling."

The new active travel hub will be open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10am-4pm.