Cycle Lanes and Routes

Hockley Viaduct Cycle Route & National Cycle Network 23

Winchester City Council is working with Sustrans - who oversee the National Cycle Network - and Hampshire County Council on a project which will ensure that Hockley Viaduct is repaired, and that it has a long and useful future ahead forming an integral part of the final stretch of National Cycle Network Route 23 (NCN23).

NCN23 joins Reading to the Isle of Wight, but it currently comes to a halt either side of Winchester.

By working together, the three bodies seek to complete NCN23, providing a very memorable pathway across the Viaduct for leisure walkers and cyclists, with plenty of heritage charm, lovely views and some interesting wildlife. It will also offer a low-carbon means for commuters to head into central Winchester from the South Winchester Park and Ride, by using a bike rather than a bus. The funding promised by HCC will help complete the NCN 23 route to South Winchester P&R, where we are hoping to introduce a bike loan scheme. There are also plans to link the northern end of NCN23 at St Catherine's Hill with the South Downs Way with the assistance of the South Downs National Park Authority.

The Council has engaged Sustrans to manage repair works to the Viaduct starting next summer, drawing on the Council's own contribution of £500,000 for the project. Negotiations with landowners and funders are now underway, with a helpful early contribution of £50,000 from the LEADER Rural Development Programme received to support feasibility work on designs for the missing part of NCN23.

After the recent public meeting about the project held at Compton and Shawford parish hall, Nick Farthing from Sustrans commented, "I have never attended a public meeting of this kind where absolutely everyone was in favour of the scheme. It really is a 'win win' plan, and I'm delighted to see a good turning into reality."

Cllr George Beckett, Leader of the Council said, "I have for many years been trying to find a funding stream and programme to maintain and use this major local feature. I am delighted to see we now have a way ahead."

Commitee Reports

• Cabinet, 9 November 2011 - CAB2241
• Cabinet, 6 July 2011 - CAB2167