Southeastern has opened a secure, 38-space cycle hub at Margate station.

Security is provided through a key fob entry system and full CCTV coverage. The hub also includes charging points for electric bikes, a cycle pump and a repair stand.

Southeastern claims that one of its key aims is to make rail stations more accessible and affordable for passengers, and that the price structure for its cycle hubs reflects this. Cyclists will pay ten pounds for three months’ access to the Margate hub, fifteen pounds for six months, or twenty-five pounds for a year.

The hub was funded by a £58,000 grant from Sustrans, and a £6,500 grant from Kent County Council.

Margate station has recently undergone a major refurbishment that restored that many of its original features. The suspended ceiling was removed from the art deco style coffee shop and restored in traditional Southern Railway colours to complement the restored booking hall. The Railway Heritage Trust and Network Rail jointly funded this work.

The platforms and subway were also painted in the traditional Southeastern blue.

The station was very busy during the summer, with 516,000 journeys between late May and early September, up from 466,000 journeys over the same period in 2022.

Southeastern’s General Manager South, Mark Borny, said: “It’s great to see another new hub opening at Margate, and we now have 28 secure cycle hubs at stations across our network.

“As an all-electric train operator we are always looking to highlight the environmental benefits of green, car-free travel.

“It’s much healthier to walk or cycle to our stations and I really hope the local community in Margate will take advantage of this fantastic new facility.”

Welcoming the new hub, David Hibbs, Cycle Rail Programme Manager at Sustrans said: “Combining cycling and rail is a great way to make your journey more sustainable and healthier. The new cycle hubs, jointly funded by the Government’s Cycle Rail Programme, provide value for money and make cycling to and from the station an even more attractive option.”

Kent County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Neil Baker, said: “By helping to fund secure cycle hubs we hope more people will be encouraged to explore more sustainable ways to travel.

“Our aim is to make it easier for people to choose walking, wheeling and cycling over getting in their car and I am pleased we have been able to partly fund the Margate cycle hub to support this aim.”