A multi-million pound cycling centre has officially opened in Cottonmill, St Albans.

Cottonmill Community and Cycling Centre's official opening took place on Saturday (March 4), with a number of guests attending.

A reported 20,000 people have visited the location, off Old Oak and Cottonmill Lane, since it became available to the public last year.

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The centre features a BMX pump-track and cyclo-cross track, a cycle hub offering bike maintenance and repairs workshops, a wudu room (ablution facilities for Muslim prayer), a function room and a café.

Last year, £79,000 was raised towards the project.

During the open day, a variety of free sporting activities took place, including table-tennis tasters and BMX and baby pump track sessions.

A performance from local singing group, the Sopwell Singers, also took place.

Among those attending the event were St Albans mayor Cllr Geoff Harrison, chair of the council’s regeneration and business committee Cllr Robert Donald, Everyone Active contract manager James McNulty and UK cyclist Josie Nelson.

Steve Cox, contract manager at Everyone Active, said: “This weekend was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the opening of Cottonmill Community and Cycling Centre.

"It’s a unique offering for the local community and we’ve already seen a positive uptake.

“The open day was a great way to continue to raise awareness of the site.

                                                                                                                      

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"Everyone enjoyed the free activities available whilst meeting our fabulous Sporting Champion, Josie Nelson, who shared her top tips for success on the track."

Cllr Geoff Harrison added: “I felt honoured to preside over the official opening of this outstanding centre which has so much to offer the surrounding community.

“The facilities, indoor and outdoor, are first class and I was pleased to hear that the centre is being well used.

"I was particularly impressed by the pump and cyclo-cross tracks and was almost tempted to get on a bike and give it a go!”

Lastly, Cllr Helen Campbell commented: “It is great to see that we have fulfilled our ambition of replacing the old Marlborough Pavilion with a new community and cycling centre of the highest quality.

“This was an ambitious, multi-million pound project that we undertook in collaboration with the local community which helped shape the plans and raise funds.

“I believe that together, we have created something really special here - a fantastic multi-purpose community facility that will be enjoyed by Sopwell and St Albans residents for years to come.”