A PROJECT started by youngsters to open a community cafe in a Winchester beauty spot has reached its fundraising target, securing more than £350,000 so far.

The brain-child of teenagers involved in the SPUD architecture and education group, the HandleBar Cafe aims to give visitors a place to enjoy a coffee before or after enjoying one of Winchester’s most scenic cycling routes.

The cafe will be run by Bespoke Biking, currently based in The Brooks Shopping Centre, which will provide bike repairs, riding events as well as a cafe where people can enjoy a coffee while overlooking the Itchen Navigation.

Now its Just-Giving fundraising page has seen the total surpassed the £350,000 target to fund the development of the cafe on the former railway embankment between Garnier Road and St Catherine’s Hill, as well as buy equipment.

Money will also be used to put on SPUD youth workshops, which aim to educate young people while reducing social isolation.

So far organisers behind the project have raised more than £352,800. Its exact composition was unclear.

But Heather Evans, of Bespoke Biking, said the fundraising had taken longer than expected. She said: “We’re thrilled. Lots of customers have been asking on a daily basis whether it’s ever going to open.

“It will be a real community place. Now we have got to work on building a team to operate it.”

Proposals for the cafe eased through the South Downs National Park Authority planning process without an objection.

The plans were also supported by a number of people on social media, one of whom said: “What a fantastic idea! I’ve been keeping an eye on this project for the past year or so and I’m so excited that the wheel is finally in motion!

“Personally I think it’s a wonderful idea, and well done to the young people for their innovative plan. It may even encourage more cyclists, walkers and joggers to the area, knowing they can get some refreshment along the way.”

However, others were sceptical of what the project might mean for the area. One person said: “St Catherine’s Hill is a place of outstanding natural beauty and a wildlife conservation area. It does not need to be littered with the inevitable rubbish that this will bring.”

Mark Drury from the SPUD Group, said: “We’re all very excited at SPUD HQ that due to the fantastic support of so many individuals, companies and sponsors, the Handlebar Cafe project has hit its fundraising target of £350,000.

“There are still some processes we have to go through before we can get spades in the ground, but we are hoping this could by June 2018.”

Mr Drury had previously told the Chronicle that the building will be made of timber, there will be low level lighting and said they are working closely with architects and planners to ensure the impact of the building is as minimal as possible.

Mr Drury reiterated that the cafe is not a commercial venture and added: “This is to create a community where there’s not anything, it is not a commercial business it is run as a community interest company and owned by a charity.”