As skateboarding gets set to become an Olympic event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Nottingham is looking to give the sport a new home in the heart of the city.
Work to build a brand new skate plaza at King Edward Park in St Ann's isn't just another building project. Plans put together in collaboration with community skateboarding organisation, Skate Nottingham, Nottingham City Council (NCC) and local contractor, Robert Woodhead Ltd, include influence from iconic parks around the world.
Designs have now been finalised by specialist skatepark design firm, CANVAS, and work is set to start on the £80,000 scheme on Monday 14th November, looking to complete by Christmas. The project has been made possible thanks to WREN funding.
The new park will include inspiration from some of the world's most iconic skate plazas. From the John F Kennedy Plaza in Philadelphia to the city of Malmo in Sweden, which has gone from a city that once deemed skateboarders a ‘nuisance', to one that is internationally recognised as a premier skateboarding destination.
Close to the city centre and the Creative Quarter, the new facility will be perfectly placed to build on the wider creative and cultural aspects of skateboarding, including photography, film, digital media, art and design, as well as encouraging healthy and active lifestyles.
Chris Lawton, of Skate Nottingham, said: "This development is great for Nottingham, one of the original homes of British skateboarding. Nottingham City Council and Woodhead's enthusiasm to work so closely with us is welcome and quite unique, and we see this addition to Nottingham's estate of skate facilities as a big step towards unlocking the potential of skateboarding to play a positive role in Nottingham's growth as a young, creative and active city."
King Edward Park, which currently benefits from a football pitch, recently completed by Robert Woodhead Ltd's specialist arm, Woodhead Improve, will house the new facility, which will be designed to fit in with the existing landscape, while offering all the elements beginners and experienced skateboarders are looking for.
Cllr Dave Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture said: "Having this facility at St Ann's will provide the community with a wonderful space in which to socialise as well as to try this less traditional sport to get active. It is a great example of the work we are doing to encourage people to use our fantastic parks and open spaces in new and modern ways. There are also huge benefits to the area in the creation of jobs and the opportunities to develop a wide range of practical skills. The City has a track record of supporting Olympians and Paralympians training at our great facilities. Why not a skateboarding champion in Tokyo?"
While on site, Woodhead Improve will be offering work placement opportunities to local people, giving them a chance to find out more about working in the construction industry. This forms part of Woodhead's commitment to the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS), for which the company was awarded one of the highest scores in the country earlier this year.
Paul Cross, Site Manager for Woodhead Improve, said: "We're delighted to be working with NCC and Skate Nottingham on this project. We're committed to providing as many opportunities for local people as we can while working on site, so I hope the work experience placements will make a real difference to those young people taking part.
"I hope the work we do can help create a facility worthy of future skateboarding Olympians and help to get create somewhere for skateboarders across the city to be proud of."
The council worked with East Midlands Property Alliance (empa) to appoint Woodhead Improve, through its dedicated framework. Managed by Scape Group, empa aims to improve the delivery of construction projects and property maintenance for public sector bodies, saving them and the taxpayer money.
Ian Towlson, Regional Frameworks Manager for empa, said: "Nottingham's King Edward Park is the ideal location for a new skate park in the city; once complete the new park will offer better facilities in the community for skaters.
"As well as creating apprentice opportunities for young people in the area, empa is committed to working with its partners and local authorities to improve leisure facilities for the local community. I look forward to seeing this skate park come to life."
Photography: Tom Quigley.
