Birmingham Business Park (BBP) and its 150 acres of mature parkland provided the perfect setting for Birmingham Midland Cycling to hold its road race cycling event attracting 120 cyclists.
Having recently been awarded bronze in “Top Location” from Travel for West Midlands for walking and cycling, Luke Selibas organiser of the event said Birmingham Business Park offered a safe and scenic environment where all abilities could enjoy the sport.
“There was a great turn out across the three races even though it poured with rain, from riders taking part in their first event through to more experienced ones who had been racing international standard events in the Middle East.
“Birmingham Business Park was incredibly hospitable and we hope we can build on the success of the event and stage future races at this location.”
BBP manager Liz Allister who worked with Luke and organises a packed programme of social events for the 7,500 employees of occupiers on site said:
“I’m increasingly hearing that cycling is becoming the new golf for business professionals and with over 100 companies based at BPP, we felt the event would really capture their interest.
“The days are gone when business parks were just about space for people and cars. Any successful destination now needs to engage with the local community and offer an array of activities, both to help attract new occupiers and persuade existing ones to extend their leases.” says Liz.
“I think cycling’s tremendous fun, and the fitness benefits are obvious, but you always have to realise that it’s not for everyone and we have to work hard to offer something for all tastes.
“The race provided a great finale to our second Sustainability Week, which had everything from woodland walks and pond-dipping to organised bike rides.
”The feedback we’ve had from occupiers has been tremendously positive, and we know they would welcome back Birmingham Midland Cycling. It created a fantastic atmosphere and positive spirit which even the rain couldn’t dampen.”
BBP is enjoying it’s lowest vacancy rate in a decade and recently delivered the latest phase of a £6 million rolling refurbishment programme, with the unveiling of a new 25,000 sq ft Grade A office building.