Leicester City Council is working with leading UK skatepark specialists Maverick Industries to create the new facility at St Margaret’s Pastures sports grounds, off St Margaret’s Way.
Construction of the new skatepark is now well underway and it is expected to open to the public from July.
The new skatepark – which will be completely free to use – will include flat bank ramps, grind rails and ledges, a stair set, a wheelie or ‘manny’ pad and an impressive quarter pipe that will run the full length of one end of the facility. Its specially laid surface will also feature a bold colourful design.
City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “The new skatepark is now taking shape and it will be fantastic to see it complete and in use this summer.
“St Margaret’s Pastures is already home to several well-used sports pitches and facilities and it made good sense to use a vacant part of the site to expand the range of outdoor activities on offer.
“Maverick are experts in their field and the design they have developed for this new skatepark is very impressive. They’ve listened very carefully to what skaters and other enthusiasts want from a new facility.”
As part of its initial design process, Maverick carried out an online survey and collected feedback from over 570 respondents ranging from beginner to expert skaters, as well as BMX and scooter riders.
Sam Reynolds, director at Maverick, said: “There’s a real sense of excitement for a new purpose-built skatepark in Leicester and we’re dedicated to creating a space that best serves the area.
“The enthusiastic response to our online survey - the largest we’ve seen in the UK - has been key in shaping a design the community can be passionate about. We are stoked to have the new skatepark ready for people to enjoy this summer.”
The new skatepark is being built on an area of council-owned land currently leased to Leicester Hockey Club, immediately next to its Olympic standard pitch.
Located close to the city centre, the new facility will be easily accessible by foot, bike or skateboard and is near to car parking and toilets.
The city council approved funding of £375,000 for the scheme in 2022, under cash set aside for people and neighbourhoods policy provision.
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Top picture: (from left) Mohd Bin Jalil, Leicester City Council construction project manager; John Squires, Leicester City Council technical project manager; City Mayor Peter Soulsby; Dan Castle, Maverick Industries site foreman; Mark Clogg, Maverick Industries director and health and safety officer.
Bottom picture: Artist's impression showing how the skatepark will look.