Plans for a new bike skills park in Richmond have received a major boost after being awarded £85,000 from Harmony Energy’s Skeeby Community Benefit Fund.
The funding forms the largest share of a £100,000 package announced by the renewable energy company, which will support 12 community projects across the Richmond area.
The Richmond Bike Park project aims to create a free-to-use, purpose-built cycling facility on land between Green Howards Road and Whashton Road. Designed for riders of all ages and abilities, the park will feature progressive trails to help beginners build confidence while also providing challenges for more experienced cyclists.
Inspired by the popular Devil’s Toenail bike park in Wetherby, the facility is expected to open in late 2026.
Richmond Bike Park committee chair Louise Raine said the grant would allow the long-planned project to move ahead.
“We are so grateful for the community fund donation from Harmony Energy. It makes all the hard work possible and, alongside the generosity provided by the local community, will help us deliver a top-class facility that is free to use for all.
“The money granted means the project will be delivered this year, and we are so very excited to move this forward at pace now, working with a sector-leading contractor in bike trail building. This means this facility will be a huge benefit for generations to come, improving health and wellbeing and community in the local area.”
Richmond and Northallerton MP Rishi Sunak, who recently visited the site, welcomed the funding.
He said: “Having recently visited the site, I know how much work has gone into this project. It’s fantastic to see community funding helping bring Richmond Bike Park a step closer to reality and creating a lasting facility for local people to enjoy.”
The Skeeby Community Benefit Fund was established by Harmony Energy following the sale of the Skeeby Solar Farm before construction in 2023. The fund supports projects that improve the environment, sustainability and community life in the areas surrounding the company’s developments.
Harmony Energy’s sustainability lead, Pippa Greenwood, said: “Seeing the breadth of projects this fund has supported, from a new bike park to sustainability education and community spaces, is a real reminder of what local people can achieve when they have the right backing.
“We are proud that Harmony Energy can play a part in that, and we look forward to seeing these projects come to life across the Richmond area.”
Full list of Skeeby Solar Community Fund recipients
The following 12 projects have been selected to receive funding from the Skeeby Solar Community Fund:
- Richmond Bike Park – Richmond Bike Park aims to create a safe, inclusive, and accessible bike skills park in the area.
- Richmond MayFest – Support community groups and the delivery of the MayFest.
- Richmond (Yorks) Bowls Club – Support’s the funding of the clubhouse roof upgrade for the 75th anniversary.
- Richmondshire Cricket Club – Contribute to the club refurbishment project – a phased project with other external funding.
- Richmond Methodist Primary School – Contributes to purchasing a school composter, empowering students to reduce waste, create nutrient‑rich soil, and promote sustainability through hands‑on environmental learning, community engagement, and action.
- Brompton-on-Swale Parish Council – Upgrading existing windows to double‑glazed units to support with heat loss and improve overall energy efficiency.
- Original Richmond Business and Tourism Association – Support with the funding of the Christmas fair.
- Richmondshire Rugby Union Football Club – Replace the Club House front door.
- Richmond Walking and Book Festival – Support the funding of the annual Book and Boot festival for the local community and visitors to Richmond, designed to inspire, educate and challenge all who attend.
- Richmondshire Landscape Trust – Support the funding of new fencing to improve public safety, local biodiversity, and the natural environment.
- Just The Job Environmental Enterprise Ltd – Support the funding of the BIG Green Build. This will create specialist rooms for activities, fully accessible toilets, multi-use outdoor areas and a horticultural project, allowing more space for community groups to access.
- Richmond and District Civic Society- Support the funding of a new virtual reality tour to the Town Trail.
