A drop-in event to see the latest plans for a new skatepark in Cliftonville is now open – with people also invited to submit suggestions to name the new site.
Following the recent appointment of award-winning specialist contractors Betongpark Limited, people are invited to give their views on the project which aims to transform the underused former putting green space at Ethelbert Crescent into a vibrant community skatepark and kiosk that can be used all year round.
Specifically designed to cater to everyone from absolute beginners to world-class professionals, the park will feature a state-of-the-art concrete design, comprehensive landscaping, new seating areas, and the kiosk with public toilets.
Covering almost an acre, the park is likely to include various-sized bowls, ramps and ledges, capable of catering for 100 users.
The plans are currently on show today (April 23) at the Family Hub (formerly The Quarterdeck), Zion Place, Cliftonville, until 7pm.
There are also free skateboarding sessions with Scorcha Skate School, with specific times for different age groups.
Sessions are also planned with pupils at Hartsdown Academy and primary schools in Cliftonville.
The plan was first proposed by Nic Powley and Dan Cates, of Margate Skateboard Club, as part of a call for projects for the £22.2m Margate Town Deal. Nic has also been involved as an advisor through the tender process.
Cllr Ruth Duckworth, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Property at Thanet District Council, said she is excited to see the project reach the design stage.
She said: “It is very exciting. We have had excellent advice from Nic on design aspects.
“It’s been a long slog, with covid inbetween, but I have been excited for the project from the beginning.”
Cllr Duckworth said it was important to be providing such a scheme for Thanet’s young people.
She added: “This project is an amazing opportunity to give our local young people a world-class, free-to-use asset that they can truly be proud of. Beyond providing a safe space for activity, we believe this skatepark will significantly improve mental and physical wellbeing by giving residents a place to socialise and be proud of.
“We want to ensure this space meets the needs of every user, from those stepping on a board for the first time, to seasoned skaters. I strongly encourage people to come along, share their views on the designs, and help us choose a name that reflects the spirit of Margate.”
Following public feedback, planning permission will be applied for and a tender process undertaken for a kiosk operator.
Regeneration Programme Manager Natalie Glover said: “The kiosk is a commercial opportunity which is going to provide income to the council to enable it to manage and maintain the skatepark site.”
The aim is for the skatepark to be open and free to use for everyone and it is hoped youth groups, such as Scorcha and others, will run activities at the site.
The contract with Betongpark is worth £1.1m with an overall project budget of £1.3m for contingency elements and work on the outer border of the plot.
The project originally had funding of £750k but the gained an additional £175,000 which was reallocated after £500,000 was withdrawn from the Oval Bandstand and Lawns project. Thanet council then agreed to add a further £350,000, moved from a Town Deal highways and signage scheme. The total sum includes £59,000 match funding from the council.
A £100k pledge has been made by artist Tracey Emin but Thanet council has had no direct contact with the artist so it has not been included in the authority’s budget. It is understood Ms Emin’s funding will be used through Margate Skateboard Club.
Anyone who is unable to attend today’s event can view the designs and share their feedback on Your Voice Thanet, the council’s public engagement website, for one week from Thursday 23 April.
The opportunity to suggest names for the site is also open on the Your Voice platform. All suggestions must be submitted by 12pm on Monday 4 May. The final decision will be made by a panel.
If planning is approved, construction is expected to begin in summer 2026, with the skatepark anticipated to open to the public in spring 2027.
Previously the skatepark site, opposite Bugsy’s Tenpin Bowling centre, was used as two Arnold Palmer 18 hole courses overlooking the sea.
The miniature golf courses were part of the Arnold Palmer Enterprises empire set-up in 1961 that saw the legendary golfer’s name licensed and franchised to a wide-range of activities and products.
The Cliftonville courses were removed in 2014 along with the flattening of Oasis skate park.
I can think of a name for it!
What about Drug-deal skate park ? ..