The new skatepark in Lewes’s Malling Fields recreation ground is rapidly taking shape and it is on course to be completed by May, several weeks ahead of schedule.
The regeneration of the skatepark has been driven by the users themselves and the project was supported by Councillor Andy Smith, Leader of Lewes District Council. He said: “It’s great to see the skatepark is well on the way to completion and will be ready for use in just a few weeks. It’s a fantastic facility – not just for Lewes – but, as there’s nothing like it for miles around, it will attract skaters from far and wide.”
The park is being constructed by specialist skatepark builders, Wheelscape, who designed the layout based on a brief put together by Lewes’s skating community.
Local skater Sam Roberts has been involved in the project from the beginning. He said: “The design of the skate park is something quite unique for the UK, which will make it a destination for skaters from all over the UK and abroad. We’ve been planning it for a long time so it’s really exciting to see it actually happening.”
The funds for the £200k scheme have come from several sources including the North Street Quarter development and The Veolia Environmental Trust.
Paul Taylor, Executive Director of The Veolia Environmental Trust, said: “We support community and environmental projects across England and Wales. It is great to hear that Lewes’s new skatepark will soon be finished and I’m delighted that The Veolia Environmental Trust has been able to support this fantastic community facility.”
Malling Fields is to be upgraded as part of the North Street Quarter development. The £180m regeneration scheme will bring considerable assets to the town, including 416 new houses, of which 40% (165) are affordable homes; a new health hub; a public car park with 330 spaces and extensive works on the River Ouse will complete the town’s flood defences and create new public access to the river with a footbridge and a riverside promenade.
Clive Wilding, Director of Santon North Street, said: ““The North Street Quarter scheme will include an upgrade of community facilities on Malling Fields and we are drawing up plans following a public consultation. The new skatepark will be integrated into the final design.”
From left: Sam Roberts; Chris Bibb, Lewes District Council; Cllr Elayne Merry, Deputy Leader, Lewes District Council; Cllr Andy Smith, Leader, Lewes District Council; Ben English; Bev Lucas, Project Manager, North Street Quarter