A new cycleway has been installed linking Markham Vale business park to Staveley, allowing people working at the site to choose a more sustainable commute.
The 1.37mile (2.2km) cycleway starts just off Markham Lane next to the Environment Centre and ends on the Seymour Link Road.
It was officially opened by Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, Councillor Tony King, who was joined by a group of enthusiastic cyclists who will be regularly using the trail.
Councillor King said: “Another feather in Markham Vale’s cap. This place is a real success story and a phenomenal transformation over just 2 decades.
“Attracting local, national and international business to Derbyshire it stays at the forefront of developing business and industry fit for the future.
“This cycleway is another indicator of our commitment to help deliver green initiatives. At Markham we will also have the Electric Forecourt that can charge 30 electric vehicles simultaneously and state of the art energy efficient new buildings in line with our Net Zero ambitions.”
Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Environment, Councillor Carolyn Renwick said: “Across the county we support many cycling opportunities for both business and leisure. This cycleway is a good example and helps our ambitions to provide more infrastructure for safe and sustainable ways to travel. I hope that it will encourage some of those working at Markham to travel by bike and provide new leisure cycling opportunities for our residents as well.”
The Markham cycleway has cost £750,000 from a funding package of £7 million that was provided by the government in 2023/2024 for local improvements in the East Midlands. The funding was via the East Midlands Combined County Authority Devolution Capital Fund.
Markham Vale is a 200-acre joint venture between the County Council and property developer HBD, part of Henry Boot. Situated off M1 junction 29a it centres around what was the mostly derelict Markham Colliery site. Over the last 20 years it has been transformed into a prime business location. This latest development adds to its attractions and boosts its ambitions to offer sustainable transport options to those working on the site and those cycling for leisure.
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