Summerhill Cycle Track

Project Overview

Following funding from British Cycling in 2021, Hartlepool Borough Council wanted to develop a cycling hub to provide accessible, traffic-free cycling facilities and community cycling opportunities.

Rainton Construction delivered capital works to Summerhill Country Park and MGL Earthworks undertook enabling works. Our in-house team undertook to surface, and Tynedale Roadstone provided the material. This project was shortlisted in the Small Project Category at the 2024 ICE Robert Stephenson Awards in Newcastle.

Scope of Works

• A 750-metre “free-form” asphalt-fenced and floodlit cycle track.
• Balance bike and learn-to-ride area
• Spectator fencing, “warm up/cool down” area and improved corner banking
• Two secure cycle storage containers

The gently sloping terrain, which incorporates varying elevations and degrees of cornering difficulty, is suitable and safe for riders of all ages and abilities. There is also a dedicated grassed area beside the Visitors Centre for younger people keen to learn new skills. By collaborating with stakeholders, the team suggested adding realistic road features like roundabouts, junctions, and zebra crossings. Sport England liked this unique approach and granted additional funding for the traffic-free training facility.

Sustainability

The Plastipave® asphalt used in this project diverted the equivalent of 28,112 plastic milk cartons from landfill and saved 15.01 tonnes of carbon. 100% of the excavated material was retained on-site, further reducing the project’s carbon footprint. It was used to form a 3m elevation change and an ‘Alpine Pass’ style link, improving the course’s challenge.

Summary

A focus on health, safety and wellbeing underscored a successful and responsible project delivery, with no incidents reported in 830 working hours.

Embracing the principles of the circular economy, our sustainable infrastructure has enhanced the delivery of Summerhill Cycle Track, creating a safe, traffic-free, multi-discipline cycling hub for diverse groups that fosters wellbeing.