RESIDENTS are set to be consulted on more detailed plans for a new outdoor activity and cycling park.

The park, which will cost around £8m, is being proposed on a 30 hectare site which has been made available after changes to the A2.

If it goes ahead, the site may include cycle tracks, specialist BMX and mountain bike routes, a bridleway, pavilion and parking.

Gravesham Council leader Councillor Mike Snelling said: “We will make sure residents will be fully consulted about the plans as we want people to understand what is being proposed.”

The Kent County Council scheme also includes improving security to the site and a park and ride service into Gravesend town centre.

The plans were developed following a Highways Agency improvement scheme, which involved a section of the A2 moving around 600m from Marling Cross to Pepperhill and Pepperhill Junction.

The land is part of the Green Grid network of parks, paths and open spaces across the Kent Thameside area.

Laurence Tricker, green grid manager for Kent Thameside, said: “The changes to the A2 provide a great opportunity to preserve green space in the borough and create a public park and off-road cycling facility for people of all ages and abilities.”

In February, a series of exhibitions was held in Gravesend which showed residents’ initial designs for the area.

Residents were asked if they supported the plans and 261 out of 311 said they were in favour of the outdoor activity and cycling centre with 191 out of 277 people supporting the park and ride scheme.

A number of exhibitions are due to be held across the area on October 18, which will show current plans.

There will be exhibitions at Painters Ash School in Masefield Road, Northfleet, and St George’s School in Meadow Road, Gravesend, both between 10am and 1pm.

An exhibition is also taking place at Marling Cross Library, Mackenzie Way, Gravesend, from 2pm to 4pm.

Work may begin next year and the park could be completed by 2012.