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The UK’s first ever indoor mountain bike centre – The Dirt Factory – has now enterred the home stretch of gathering funding, with investors invited to commit to the project via Crowdcube.
Supporters may pledge from just £10 to gain a share in the business, which will bring multi-terrain indoor cycling to Manchester’s city centre.
Dan Makin, is one of the Founders and Directors of Dirt Factory. He said: “We are very excited to be launching the Dirt Factory crowd fund campaign. Our team has carried out extensive planning and research to develop the Dirt Factory business and get the venture to this stage.
“We have a truly unique offer and one that will hopefully get more people enjoying cycling, more often. Now is the time for people to get behind the project and help get the Dirt Factory wheels in motion.”
The project, which has taken inspirartion from centres like Rays in the US, will use shipping containers to build in elevation at the centre. Those containers will double up as Box Park style retail space, offering low rent retail space and a captive audience to anyone from baristas to bike shops.
Mark McClure is a fellow Dirt Factory director and an International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) Trail Specialist. Mark has recently worked on bike park projects in China, Israel, Mexico, Norway, Switzerland and USA.
Mark commented: “We’ve had great support from local riders, the wider cycle community and some big international brands. A facility that is dry, convenient and with high quality trails to practice your bike skills and have fun is something a lot of UK riders are crying out for. We are also confident that it will attract those who are new to cycling or have ridden bicycles but want to develop their off-road cycle skills.”
“Indoor bike parks have proved successful in the USA and we’re starting to see more emerge in Europe. Manchester is the perfect base for Dirt Factory in the UK and it will further enhance the cycle credentials of the city.”
The bike industry has already responded positively to the project, with the likes of Bell, Hope, DMR, The Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative and many more already signed up as sponsors.
Makin has previously suggested, if all goes well, that The Dirt Factory could be seen in several locations in the future, with London flagged as the most likely second location.
The Dirt Factory crowd fund campaign launches on February 1st and is live for 30 days. To find out more and pledge your support, click here.
