A brand new skatepark will open in summer 2019 after the proposed design was approved by the council’s planning team.
In January 2018, the council’s parks team consulted with the local skating, scooter and BMX community and local residents to find the ideal location for a brand new skatepark within the town centre. After the consultation process, the Warrior Square location was agreed.
The council then consulted the skating, scooter and BMX community once again to assist with the layout and design of the facility, along with the council’s selected contractor Maverick Industries. This event was highly successful, with over 60 people coming to the event on 12 January 2019.
The council is now pleased to announce that after gaining planning permission on 20 December 2018 and further consents this month, works are expected to start week commencing 13 May 2019, with a grand opening currently earmarked for the summer
Cllr James Courtenay, cabinet member for growth, said: “Building a new skatepark has long been an ambition of both the council and myself, and I am absolutely delighted that we are on course for construction to start within the next few weeks.
“The facility will be accessible for all ages and abilities, whilst maintaining a certain level of intricacy in the design to ensure advanced users are still able to utilise the space.
“I would like to thank everyone that has taken part in the consultation events, as well as our contractor for the facility Maverick Skateparks. We are confident the facility will prove popular and help promote active and healthy lifestyles and activities within Southend. As well as all of this, we must remember that most importantly, this will be fun for a lot of residents across the borough, both young and old, which is what this is all about.”
Russ Holbert, design director at Maverick Industries, said: "Maverick are delighted to be working with Southend-on-Sea Borough Council on this exciting project. The park which was designed in consultation with the local riding community, consists of a combi pool and multi-level street area and will appeal to a wide range of ages/abilities. We are currently working on detailed design drawings ready for the build which is planned to commence during May"