IT is the new hub that will provide extra space and increased security for cyclists who commute to and from Winchester Station.

At a cost of £400,000 cyclists are set to benefit from improved facilities which include 100 new spaces, CCTV security, and even bike maintenance tools.

The hub was opened in style at a small opening ceremony at the station. 

Cutting the ribbon was Winchester MP Steve Brine who was joined by Integrated Transport Manager for the Rail Delivery Group Conrad Haigh and the Head of Customer Experience for South West Trains Christian Neill.

Conrad Haigh, said: "This 100 space facility is part of a bigger programme by the Cycle Rail Working Group to put 75,000 spaces on the UK rail network to improve the experience for cycle rail users and has been made possible by £30 million of government funding. It is a great facility and South West Trains are to be commended."

The hub is also part of a £3.8million investment which will deliver 1,400 extra cycling spaces at 36 stations across the South West Trains network by the end of the year. It has been developed in partnership between the Department for Transport, Rail Delivery Group, Hampshire County Council and South West Trains.

Steve Brine MP, Member of Parliament for Winchester & Chandler’s Ford, added: “Our station has seen, and will continue to see, huge improvements for customers, and I am delighted to see this new Cycle Hub. I am sure that it will prove a very popular initiative among many local commuters.”

Christian Neill, Head of Customer Experience for South West Trains, said: “We provide well over 10,000 cycle spaces across our network and this new cycle hub at Winchester grows that number even further.

“In addition to providing more spaces and shelter from the weather, this new hub offers vastly improved facilities including real time passenger information and free to use maintenance equipment.

“We are sure this Cycle Hub will be very popular and we look forward to opening more facilities for passengers across the network.”