Waterloo Station ‘cycle hub’ to open before Olympics

Plans for the Waterloo 'cycle hub' were first announced two and a half years ago by the then Labour transport secretary Lord Adonis.

On Tuesday the Lib Dem transport minister Norman Baker told MPs at a Westminster Hall debate that the facility will open this summer.

"We are keen to improve cycle-rail integration – to improve cycle facilities at stations," said Mr Baker. "That is important for the end-to-end journey."

He added: "Network Rail has agreed to invest a further £7 million of the money that it has available in improving cycle facilities at stations, including safe routes and access. Part of that funding is being used to deliver innovative cycle hub schemes at Liverpool, Sheffield and York.

"The Department contributed £500,000 towards the first cycle hub, at Leeds, which incorporates secure cycle storage with cycle hire, retail and repair facilities. It is the first of its kind in the UK.

"In London, a hub at Waterloo will be completed before the Olympics, and Transport for London is working on plans for a similar scheme at London Victoria."