Plans unveiled for skatepark at Cattedown
CAMPAIGNERS have unveiled plans for a new purpose-built skatepark in Cattedown.
Led by Nick Marker, an established Plymouth skateboarder and businessman, the campaigners are hoping to secure a long-term lease for a 6,000sq ft warehouse, based on Commercial Road.
-
More than 500 signatures from young skaters – and their parents – have been collected in support of a planning application which is expected to be submitted within weeks.
Nick claims the group has gained "verbal permission" to open at the site by its owners, and that the idea has gained the support of Plymouth City Council and the police.
A fundraising drive is now under way to fund the transformation of the site, which is situated between Denman's Electrical Ltd and a building firm. Campaigners are hoping to officially open the site as a skatepark in October 1.
Nick, aged 35, said: "There is a desperate need for this sort of facility in the city. There is a skatepark at Central Park but, from what I have heard, a lot of the young people have been targeted by thugs. They are crying out for a dedicated safe and supervised facility which will open in a good central location.
"They are also after better facilities to improve their tricks. We have received a lot of support so far for this project from skaters, their parents, the city council and the police."
The skatepark will boast a ramp complex and a street course as well as many other features for BMX riders. It will also include a coffee shop, and provisions for urban dance and art groups.
Organisers hope to develop a 6,000sq ft outdoor area for skaters adjacent to the indoor site within 18 months.
"It is still early days but we are looking to the future," Nick said.
Nick's Prime skate store based in Ebrington Street is leading the fundraising drive to fund the transformation of the warehouse into a dedicated skateboarding facility. The total cost of the refurbishment is likely to cost up to £15,000.
A series of events are being planned by Prime, and the store is seeking sponsorship through skate and BMX firms across the country.
Campaigners are also urging Plymouth building firms to support the venture. The site will be the third skatepark opened by Nick and his skater campaigners.
Nick opened the Domain Skate Park in a former 3,000sq ft warehouse at Enterprise Park on the Moorlands Trading Estate in Saltash in 2004, which closed in 2006 due to lack of funds.
He was also largely responsible for opening the hugely successful Flatspot indoor skatepark at Clare Place in Coxside. The nationally-renowned skatepark was forced to close in February 2001 when its three-year lease expired.
For further information on the skatepark project call Prime on 01752 224360 or visit: www.primeskateblog.blogspot.com.
10 Comments
by BIKE WISE, Mobile Service & Repairs, No job too bi, Mobile in Plymouth
Saturday, July 04 2009, 2:06PM
“Its about time we had more people like Nick And his hard working crew, Plymouth needs all the help it can get for these projects.A safe place to enjoy wheeled sports!”
by Adam Gregg, Plymouth
Tuesday, June 09 2009, 7:34PM
“YES! final somewhere skaters, bmxers and the rest of the extreme wheeled population of plymouth can go and not be push around for doing something we love... Thanks Nick and the rest of the campaigners....
oo and add on: good new places to get photos... :)”
by Jacob Gibbins, tavistock
Monday, June 08 2009, 11:38AM
“i know there are another 50-100 people from tavistock 30 mins drive from plym that wuld use this a good few times a month if it was built. get it done !”
by hellyn, Rotterdam
Tuesday, June 02 2009, 9:33PM
“About time!!! in Rotterdam the kids here have a purpose built excellent quality park in the middle of the main road! with a coke machine, toilets, bench's. it is stainless steel and not only looks stylish, it is always used and is a good use of space. The kids treat with respect and it is always packed with skates, bikes, boards anything with wheels.
I will support it...yeah for the kids!!!”
by K, Plymouth
Saturday, May 30 2009, 7:32AM
“There is alot of sports which could do with places for them to train. We all pay our Council Tax. So we should all have a slice of the cake. I would love to see a SHOWJUMPING COURSE, CROSS COUNTRY COURSE AND DRESSARGE COURSE built in Central Park. We have so many TALENTED riders in the Plymouth area,It would bring alot of money and visitors to the City. Please donot mock this as it has never been tried. I would really love to run this, I am sure I could make it work. I know this is a NON STARTER. Please think about it.”
by Hermes (and Thelemia), Plymouth
Friday, May 29 2009, 4:16PM
“skate forever safe say us
a click on the heels and a
bang on roar set trucks
skate on skate on skate
forever say us
no cogs in machine
free friendship we love
skate on skate on skate on
not bored free
anon ana”
by rifleman, plymouth
Friday, May 29 2009, 2:44PM
“i have known and nick for over 15 years and he deserves all the support he can get to help this skatepark happen.you can be assured that it will be run properly and be safe and fun for all the youngsters(and some oldies).this is what plymouth needs.
get on bud.”
by teacher, Plymouth
Friday, May 29 2009, 8:11AM
“This is brilliant news and I am really impressed with both Nick Marker and Plymouth City Council. This will give a fantastic opportunity for the young people of this City to enjoy and progress in these sports. I will certainly book my students from my school for afternoon sessions and coaching if it is available. Once again well done for doing something positive for the youngsters in Plymouth.”
by Ginjafro, Cornwall
Friday, May 29 2009, 8:06AM
“I hope the skateboarders and BMXers get the park they deserve, together with the safety & security, to prevent the thugs and idiots intent on destroying something good in some young peoples' lives.
BIG UP THE SUPPORT!!”
by dunk, plymouth
Friday, May 29 2009, 7:59AM
“maybe a local councillor could claim expenses for it to be paid for,or do they only use them for their own gain????.
nuff said”