Come and visit the Cottonmill Community and Cycling Centre, off Old Oak, Cottonmill Lane, AL1 2EF

Cottonmill Centre 2022

The Cottonmill and Sopwell Hub campaign group achieved our aim – to get a community centre built so we have dissolved our campaign group.

But we are still keeping an eye on developments as the ‘CaSH’ sub-group of the Sopwell Residents Association. We attend a monthly Cottonmill Centre ‘Forum’ meeting, chaired by local Sopwell Cllr Emma Matanle, and work closely with Everyone Active, who manage the centre. There are plenty of issues arising, and we are always happy to hear from you about your experience at the centre.

Hiring the Community & Cycling Centre

For information on hiring the community centre halls, and opening hours see Everyone Active website here.

Fine out more about the St Albans Cycle Hub here or see their FB page here

Whats On

Join our ‘All Things Cottonmill Community & Cycling Centre’ Facebook Group that shows lots of public activities and events at the Cottonmill Community and Cycling Centre.

Keep up to date with the monthly e-newsletter from Sopwell Residents Association. Email here and ask to get the email newsletter.

See this short film made by local group Leeanna’s Wish about Dolly visiting the new Cottonmill Centre in June 2022

The community centre is being managed by Everyone Active. See the web page here where you can find more information and book the halls and community kitchen to hire. See their FB page here

The cafe is currently open only at the Open Hours – all this will change and develop over the next few months…

Fine out more about the St Albans Cycle Hub here or see their FB page here

The cycling Pump Track is currently open for free public use at all hours – for children and adults on non-motorised wheels – bikes and scooters welcome!

On Saturday 11th June, 100+ people came to look around the new centre.

We also presented the cheque – fundraising done by all the community groups – for £79k to Cllr Robert Donald

The community groups were all there – Cottonmill and Sopwell Hub campaign; Sopwell Community Trust and Verulam Cycling Club. Read all about it in the Herts Ad article here

YOU – the community – raised £30,881 from the Crowdfunder- way above the original target of £20k. Thank you to everyone who took part. The Crowdfunder is closed now but there are still opportunities for businesses/groups to contribute to go on the Honours Board, or even to ‘Name A Room’.

Individuals – if you would still like to support us, then keep an eye out for upcoming events or contact us via our contact page to find out more about how you can be involved.

We can’t believe it! It all began in 2018 with a chat about the lack of community and youth facilities in Cottonmill. Four years later…the building is up at the Marlborough green space. It is an eco-friendly Community Centre, together with St Alban’s flagship Cycling Hub and outdoor cycle activities – bang in the middle of Cottonmill – one of the most deprived areas in St Albans.

Community Engagement Opportunity for Businesses – Businesses who want to get involved or name a room please see here

See Sponsorship Page and Business Flyer here or email us here

What is this all about?

St Albans City and District Council has secured major funding for Cottonmill’s amazing new inclusive community centre with linked external cycling track/activities and flagship cycling hub.

The centre is accessible for all local people to use and enjoy. Facilities and activities will benefit all of Sopwell and St Albans district.

Image credit: Kyle Smart Associates for St Albans District Council

  • Small and large halls for hire
  • Community café
  • Community Kitchen
  • Quiet room for peace and reflection/dementia-friendly/health and wellbeing.
  • Cycling activities for all ages/abilities – Cyclocross + BMX tracks + all-ability bikes
  • Cycling Hub – workshops/repair & more
  • Disabled access and facilities
  • Wudu washing facilities
  • Environmentally sympathetic build

Image credit: Verulam Cycling Club

The plan was to complete the new building at the former Marlborough Pavilion site, off Old Oak, Cottonmill Lane AL1, in 2022 – and it happened!

Who are the fund-raising group?

The fund raising group are the Cottonmill and Sopwell Hub Campaign, Verulam Cycling Club and Sopwell Community Trust

Together we have raised £79k through grants and the generosity of local people with our Cottonmill Community and Cycling Centre Fundraising project.

Photo by Sopwell Community Trust