Bradley Stoke Town Council (BSTC) has submitted a formal planning application for the construction of a new concrete skate park within the grounds of Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre.
The existing skate park will be demolished in advance of the construction of the new one. This will yield eighteen car park spaces for the leisure centre, however, the construction of the new skate park will extend over part of the centre’s overspill car park, reducing its capacity by ten spaces, giving an overall net gain of eight spaces once the project is completed.
It is understood that construction of the new skate park will start at the end of the school summer holidays, subject to planning consent being obtained.
During the build phase, when there will be no access to skate park facilities, Circadian Trust, the operator of the leisure centre, has offered reduced charge sessions for young people who would normally use the skate park.
The plans incorporate space for a converted shipping container, to provide storage and a small social space for use when detached youth workers are in attendance.
Public consultation on the planning application runs until 22nd July.
This article originally appeared in the July 2015 edition of the Bradley Stoke Journal news magazine, delivered FREE, EVERY MONTH, to 9,500 homes in Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke and Stoke Lodge. Phone 01454 300 400 to enquire about advertising or leaflet insertion.
Additional information (from the BSTC July Newsletter)
The existing park has now lasted well past its anticipated lifespan and is in constant need of repair and maintenance. Following the active involvement of local young people at every stage in the development of the new park, a full planning application has now been submitted to South Gloucestershire Council. Subject to approval, it is hoped that the new park will start to be built in September and be completed before Xmas this year.
The new park will be constructed using modern spray concrete build techniques, will be much quieter than the existing park and will accommodate and offer challenges for all levels and abilities. It will also provide a more attractive recreational space for both participants and spectators and be located in landscaped surroundings. Young people previously laid out their key design requirements for the initial tender stage and in recent months have fine-tuned the design by continuing to work closely with the appointed specialist skate park contractor (Wheelscape).
The design for the new park has also received lots of positive feedback from many other BMX, scooter riders and skate boarders and from other organisations associated with skate park sports. When the build is completed there will be a launch event to officially open the new park, including competitions and demonstrations.
The latest visualisations for the new park can be seen on the BSTC website.
It’s not just youths that use the skate park, I started skateboarding there when I was 17, I’m now 29. I’m quite positive that because of my age the leisure centre will not offer me a reduced price for any of the services they provide, they have never seemed too helpful, unless there’s something in it for them.