A little idea is growing wings according to a local bike refurbishment charitable trust and a new premise for bike upcycling is one step closer to being finalised.

Up-cycles co-founder and managing director Chris Foggin (Foggie) wanted to create a buzzy place for bikes to whizz in and out and he’s been working closely with Central Otago District Council’s waste management team to find a new location for the trust to operate from. 

The plan is to open the Up-cycles Bike Hive at the 60 Boundary road site (formerly Wastebusters) with shipping containers and a sheltered covered area of 125sqm.

At the Vincent Community Board (VCB) meeting held on Monday (June 9) members recommended to council that it approves a five year license to occupy for the charitable trust from July 1.

Once approved it means a new bicycle repair and recycling facility will be available, and the idea is to hold workshops helping people can learn new skills around bike repairs; fewer bikes will end up in landfill and older bikes will get a new life after being repaired by volunteers.

Up-cycles refurbishes, repairs and adapts second hand bikes and distributes them to those in need in Central and Southland including recognised seasonal employees, neurodiverse learners and those without reliable transport.

Up-cycles started in December 2022 and until now has largely operated from a shipping container, it gained official legal status as a charitable trust in October 2023, thanks to the support of Aspiring Law. 

A map of the site. The red are Up-cycles containers where tools and bikes will be stored for repair and redistribution, the green are council owned containers which will be used for workshop and storage space. PHOTO: Supplied 

If you know anyone in need of some wheels, due to financial, health and wellbeing, recovering from illness/injury, wanting to try cycling, or transport to school/work, contact [email protected]

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