Jetsettersblog

Hicks Lodge Cycle Centre in The National Forest has been shortlisted for two prestigious construction industry awards.

The Centre opened in the summer and is building a great following with local families, as well as visitors from further afield.

The stunning timber and glass building is a finalist in the Environmental Sustainability category of the EMCBE (East Midlands Centre for Constructing the Built Environment) Constructing Excellence Awards 2011, put forward by builders Robert Woodhead Ltd. The award ceremony will be held on Friday 28 October.

Craig Pygall, Contracts Manager for Robert Woodhead, said: ‘This project refreshed my enthusiasm for construction. It was a delight to work with a design team who approached every aspect of the project with an open manner and we as a team delivered this demanding build. Jerry Tseng from Pick Everard allowed Woodheads to provide practical solutions to technical design issues without compromising the aesthetics.’

Pick Everard Architects submitted the building for the ProCon (Property and Construction) Leicestershire Awards 2011, which celebrate the excellence and dynamism of the property and construction industries in Leicestershire. It has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Small Scheme of the Year category.

Jerry Tseng, Associate Architect for Pick Everard, said: ‘Yet again The National Forest has generated a fantastic opportunity to create something special for the benefit of the whole community. The mountain bike trails are hugely entertaining and the building expresses everything The National Forest and Forestry Commission stand for: exemplar timber construction; highest environmental standards. The desire and commitment by the whole team to make a building work functionally, carefully detailed and robustly constructed reflects in the beautiful result. We all hope it gives the users many years of pleasure.’

Hicks Lodge Cycle Centre, near Ashby de la Zouch in Leicestershire, is owned by the Forestry Commission and run by Purple Mountain, which organises an exciting programme of Little Wheelies, Silver Cyclists, Parent & Toddlers events, plus Women Only Courses and Freeriders for teenagers. The eight miles of off-road trails are free to go round with your own cycle, and bike hire is available, including tagalong bikes and trailers.

The inclusive cycling project Wheels for All is also based at Hicks Lodge, with a wide range of specially adapted bikes to enable people of all abilities to enjoy being out on the trails.

Find out more about Hicks Lodge and all the activities available by calling 01530 274533 or visit www.purplemountain.co.uk