R-evolution, the Hull-based charity committed to helping people gain independence, confidence, and skills through hands-on training in cycling and horticulture, is excited to announce its move to a brand-new premises down Zeals Garth, Bransholme. The organisation plans to open its doors to the public in early December.
The move marks a major step forward in R-evolution’s mission to support local communities across Hull. Operating bicycle workshops at multiple sites, the charity not only refurbishes and sells donated cycles, promoting healthy travel and environmental sustainability, but also provides training and volunteering opportunities to people of all ages, including young people and adults facing barriers to employment.
“Bransholme has an incredible community spirit, and we’re thrilled to be growing our work here. Our new location will allow us to support more people develop job-ready skills and build confidence, whether that’s through attending a training course, volunteering in cycle or horticulture projects, or taking part in our community-led activities.” said Fergal McCullough, CEO of R-evolution.
The community training centre will serve as a hub for conducting cycle maintenance and horticulture City and Guilds qualifications, whilst also providing affordable bikes and repair services to the area. The hub will aim to serve the city with social, active, educational opportunities and activities, whilst also developing skills and removing barriers.
Cllr Mark Ieronimo, portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure, said: “We’ve already seen the great work R-evolution has done in other areas, so it’s wonderful to see them expanding and opening a new community training hub here in Bransholme.
“At a time when many people are finding things tough, having a local repair and service shop right on their doorstep – along with opportunities to gain new skills and training – is great news for the community.
“This new hub also fits perfectly with the council’s goals of promoting active, healthy lifestyles and taking real action to tackle the climate emergency.”
The move strengthens R-evolution’s commitment to bringing practical, creative and social opportunities to the places where they are needed most. The new site will host improved workshop space for bike repair and servicing, a retail area for affordable cycles, and training activities designed to help people progress into employment.
Councillor Garreth Byrne, Ward Carr Ward Councillor, said: “Welcome to Northcarr and thank you for choosing our ward to base your organisation. It’s been a two-year battle to bring this building and project to life and a lot of amazing people and groups have come together to renovate this old rent office to see R-evolution bring lots of many opportunities to our community for years to come. Thank you to Jo Neilson from Hull City Council, Keepmoat and Mark Burley for donating the materials, to Azza construction for providing the labour, and above all thank you to Fergal and the team at R-evolution for believing our daydream.”
Labour Councillors Anita Harrison and Paul Harper said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome R-evolution and to see a building that’s stood derelict for over five years transformed into such a fantastic new community venture. This project will bring huge benefits but will also act as a catalyst for future initiatives, such as introducing a bike pump track and developing new wellbeing and horticulture schemes in the area. We’re so pleased to see this positive investment in our community – just brilliant!”
R-evolution would like to say also a big thank you to the fantastic Cottingham community for having us and supporting us for the past 10 years, and to the Cottingham Parish Council for supporting us and including us at their wonderful events.
More details about opening dates, launch events, and new programme opportunities will be announced soon. And if you’re organisation, community group want to get involved, please call 01482 844422 or email info@r-evolution.org.uk. We will all only succeed if we work together, and we want to partner with as many people as we can so we can all help create a bigger impact to the community.