WORK on North Berwick’s new skate park is to get under way after funding for the project was confirmed, with a summer launch expected.
The plan has been headed up by North Berwick Community Skatepark Project (NBCSP) – a group dedicated to sourcing funding to bring a first-class facility to the town – and the group has now confirmed that 100 per cent of the funding is in place.
Work on the project is set to begin this month, with an expected build time of about 16 weeks.
The finalised design has been created by Concreate Skateparks, a Grangemouth-based firm with more than 20 years’ experience in developing “innovative and creative skatepark terrain”.
A new skatepark has been in the works since the indoor skatepark at theSPACE closed in 2015, with the existing outdoor facility at Recreation Park “not fit for purpose”.
The new facility will replace the current skate park on the same site, bringing a more enjoyable and dynamic experience for skaters and scooter riders.
The final design for the new skate park
Lewis Houghton, chair of NBCSP, was delighted to announce the news.
He said: “With generous financial support from North Berwick Trust, Coastal Area Partnership, North Berwick Rotary, Stella Moffat Trust, Russell Bequest, Law Cycles, Tesco, sportscotland, SUEZ and the community intervention fund, and the enthusiasm and encouragement of our community and East Lothian Council, we are thrilled to have reached this significant milestone.
“The build will take 16 weeks so, all going to plan, the new park will be ready for everyone to enjoy throughout the summer months.”
The final design was reached after a consultation period with current users and those backing the proposal, and Mr Houghton hoped it would prove top class for those of all abilities while creating a safe community space for all who used it.
He previously stated: “This is very much a community-focussed project. The design and layout of the new skatepark is the result of consulting with and listening to what those who currently use the facility and those keen to start using the park wanted.”
An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “We are pleased to be working in conjunction with the community group who have raised funding for a refurbished skate park in North Berwick and we look forward to the opening of an upgraded facility for people to enjoy.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here