Dirt Factory Pop-Up to open at Mayfield Manchester

We are delighted to announce a new partnership that will see a Dirt Factory indoor bike park Pop-up opening at Mayfield this February.

The Dirt Factory Pop-Up is being created inside a disused 25,000 sq ft warehouse off the Mancunian Way. We are bringing high quality bike trails to the heart of Manchester city centre.

Around 2,000 tonnes of reclaimed soil will be used to create the Dirt Factory Pop-Up at Mayfield. Furthermore creating up to 10 full and part-time jobs. The team will be supported by more than 50 volunteers, who have signed up to support the venture.

Evolving creative space

The Dirt Factory Pop-Up will have a range of exciting bike trails and features, for all ages and abilities. An evolving creative space where individuals, friends and also groups can ride together, have fun and improve their bike skills.

Dirt Factory co-founder and Managing Director, Dan Makin, said:

“We can’t wait to open at Mayfield. The Dirt Factory Pop-Up is an amazing opportunity to bring our dream alive and as a start-up it’s great to have such amazing support from the Mayfield Partnership, with whom we share so many common values around inclusivity, wellbeing and the environment.

“As well as the opportunity to ride a range of indoor bike trails and features, the Dirt Factory Pop-Up will offer bike hire including e-bikes and a host of exciting events.”

First of all the Dirt Factory Pop-Up will be open for up to two years or even more. After this the bike park will be moved to a permanent home at a larger facility in Greater Manchester.

Long term plans

In the long term, the 24-acre Mayfield site will be transformed into a world-class urban quarter, delivering new office and leisure space. The site will include the first city centre park in more than 100 years, as well as 1,300 homes and a hotel.

Greater Manchester’s Cycling and Walking Commissioner, Chris Boardman, welcomed the launch of the Dirt Factory Pop-Up, saying:

“Mountain biking and BMX are hugely popular activities and high quality, low-cost facilities in convenient city locations are a major factor in encouraging people to give them a try. We hope to do our bit by enabling more people to make journeys to and from the city centre without cars.

“It’s great to hear that there will be a big community focus to the Dirt Factory project and I wish everyone involved all the best with this venture.”

Supporting communities

James Heather, Development Director for the Mayfield Partnership, comprising of Manchester City Council, LCR, Transport for Greater Manchester and regeneration specialist U+I, commented:

“We are really pleased and excited to be supporting the launch of Dirt Factory. It’s a fantastic initiative and one that fits perfectly with our own values. Especially in terms of community and well-being.

“Since the formation of the Partnership nearly two years ago we have focused on learning about the heritage of this site and listening to a wide range of people about what they would like to see here. This has been invaluable in helping shape our long term vision for Mayfield.

“While doing this we have brought part of the site back to life by working with GRUB,  hosting headline events for Manchester International Festival and CityCo. Also the pop-up Christmas cinema and most recently Manchester Pride. The Dirt Factory Pop-Up continues this worthwhile work and we look forward to welcoming cyclists of all ages to Mayfield.”