Specialist contractor chosen to build new skate park in Whitchurch

Over the last 10 years Shropshire Council, Whitchurch Town Council and many others have been talking the possibility of having a skate park in Whitchurch. The main stumbling block during this time has always been a lack of funding and identifying a suitable site. After much hard work we are delighted in announce that a contractor has been appointed and work will start in the next month.

Canvas Spaces Limited, a company which specialises in building concrete skate parks, are the contractor that will build the new skate park in Jubilee Park, Whitchurch.

The decision to appoint Canvas was made following a period of assessment, and workshops which were held earlier this month which sought young people’s and skaters’ views about their preferred design for this facility.

Work to build the skate park, which is expected to cost around £80,000, will start in the next month (by April 2018) and it will take between six and eight months.

Lezley Picton, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for culture and leisure, said:

“We are really pleased with the design and are confident that this is what young people and skaters want, and just as importantly where they want it. This was achieved by involving them at the very start and will ensure that they use it.

“Canvas is an excellent company which has a lot of experience in building concrete skate parks. It also is keen to continue to work with young people to help them shape the design further.”

Gerald Dakin, local Shropshire Councillor for Whitchurch South, added:

“This is something I have been campaigning for for a long time. A skate park in Whitchurch has been talked about for many years and I’m sure many people thought it would never happen. I’m so pleased for the skaters, scooters and BMXers of Whitchurch that they will finally have a facility in their town.”

Councillor Tony Neville, Whitchurch Mayor, reported that:

“Whitchurch Town Council are excited that young people in Whitchurch are finally going to get their skate park. Having worked with Shropshire Council over the past four years to secure the site and funding, we are now looking forward to the build process and the opening, and to finally see the park being used.”

For further information, please contact Sean McCarthy, Shropshire Council’s sports development officer – sean.mccarthy@shropshire.gov.uk or 01743 255933.