A GROUND-breaking event for a long-anticipated Winchester project is to be held this afternoon (Thursday).

Construction work on the Handlebar Cafe in Garnier Road is now underway and it is scheduled to open in the Summer.

The ceremony will be attended by Mayor of Winchester Cllr Frank Pearson and Mrs Anne Pearson, along with representatives of the main sponsors, including Utilita and Hampshire County Council.

The project had been developed over the last five years by county-based charity SPUD, working with young people from across Winchester.

Mark Drury, Co-Director at SPUD said: "This is the culmination of a tremendous amount of hard work by all the team involved.

"The support from the local authorities, local businesses and individuals has been truly incredible and without it we could not have reached this point."

The cafe will be cycle themed, open to everyone, and the building is set to resemble the shapes of two train carriages passing on the railway bridge.

It will be crafted largely from timber and a model of sustainable design, and offer bike maintenance, events and organised rides.

and operated by local Community Interest Company Bespoke Biking.