By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
A preferred location for a new skate park to replace one demolished more than a year ago has been announced.
Broxtowe Borough Council says the new park should be based at the Central Avenue Recreation Ground in Stapleford.
The old skate park on Hickings Lane was “no longer fit for purpose” and was demolished in July 2022.
The council said it was “uneconomical to repair because of the extent of damage and disrepair it was in”.
A new skate park will cost in the region of £200,000 and £250,000 – which needs to be raised before work can begin.
The move will be discussed by the authority’s cabinet on January 9.
The council spoke with Skate Nottingham CIC in summer 2023 to support the process of creating a new skatepark.
The council said a “clear desire for a new skate park in the Stapleford area was demonstrated” through surveys.
Of all the people it surveyed, 91.6 per cent of respondents said they would like to see a new skate park in Stapleford.
Council documents stated: “A mixture of funding has been identified to support the development of a new skate park, including a successful Crowdfunder UK campaign, which has recently secured the first £12,000 towards the construction of a new skate park, including £4,800 match funding from Sport England.”
The council will then apply for funding from the FCC Communities Foundation.
Money will only be granted for a site which has not previously received funding.
The council considered five options for the new park, including Ilkeston Road Recreation Ground, Queen Elizabeth Park, Archers Field Recreation Ground, Central Avenue and Hickings Lane.
The authority said Central Avenue has not previously received any FCC Communities Foundation grant funding and would therefore meet the criteria for an application.
Documents added: “Central Avenue is in need of regeneration, with the only current facility being a small play park on the site.
“The development of a new skate park would increase the number of facilities on the site and provide more opportunities for children and young people in this area.
“The site is flat, with no civil engineering challenges, which means that skate park designs could reflect the needs of its users and multiple design options would be possible. The site also benefits from having easy access which would support heavy duty vehicles in being able to conduct works without issue.”
