22.09.2005
Hailsham may soon boast its own state of the art cyclestation, as part of a new project led by the University of Brighton. The cyclestation could provide services such as overnight accommodation, shops, cycle hire and repair facilities, as well as information for tourists, including maps and routes.
A cyclestation is also being built in Offranville, France (near Dieppe), and both stations will form part of the Avenue Verte, providing a traffic-free route for walkers and cyclists between London and Paris.
European Union Interreg funding has been granted to look at developing and building a sustainable cyclestation on the Cuckoo Trail in Hailsham. Like Hailsham, Offranville has a disused railway (the old Paris to Dieppe line) that is now used for leisure purposes. The University of Brighton is working in partnership with Hailsham Trust and Commune d'Offranville to consult local people and a public exhibition of designs and proposals for the station will take place early next year. The project will be launched at the University of Brighton at a one-day event on 28 September aimed at prospective funders and developers.
The design of the cyclestations will incorporate eco-friendly features such as solar power and sustainable architecture. Architecture, Interior Architecture and 3D design students from the university will be working together to provide the most contemporary and innovative design concepts. Local people will also have a say in how the cyclestation could be developed and used in a public exhibition of designs in the spring of 2006.
"We believe that the concept of cyclestations will prove inspiring and the proposals provide welcome and practical resting and social stops for walkers and cyclists along the cycle route," said Anne Boddington Head of the School of Architecture and Design, at the University of Brighton. "This project is a very special opportunity to explore and exhibit the very best in innovative and sustainable design ideas."
Contact: Marketing and Communications, University of Brighton,
01273 643022
