Planning permission for a replacement skate park in Llandrindod Wells has been approved
Planning permission for a replacement skate park in Llandrindod Wells has been approved, after three years of determined work.
Planning permission for a replacement skate park in Llandrindod Wells has been approved, after three years of determined work.
The hard work of sourcing grant funding will continue now - one fund, which potentially would have provided the majority of money needed, was withdrawn on the announcement of the general election.
The town council said the project may be done in two phases, dependant on funding availability.
The reinforced concrete park will replace the current old steel and timber half pipe facility on Princes Avenue, which was installed in the early 2000’s and is a well-used facility.
The current park has had multiple repairs throughout the years and is now nearing the end of its life. Its design is also outdated and does not fit for the modern style of skateboarding, scootering, rollerblading and BMXing.
The skatepark has been designed to have a range of low to high-level ramps to aid in incremental skill progression, along with a wide range of obstacle styles from street/plaza and a variety of transitions.
So, all riding disciplines are accounted for and can enjoy the skatepark no matter what they like to ride or skill level.
Llandrindod Wells Town clerk Jane Johnston said; “I am delighted to inform members that we now have planning permission in place for the new skate park, we are just tying up the loose ends with Powys County Council re the drainage. This has been a challenging process to say the least.
“Unfortunately, the Community Ownership Fund was withdrawn on the announcement of the general election. This would have our majority funder. However, we are optimistic that an alternative fund will be opened.”
The proposed modern skatepark will provide a safe environment for skateboards, BMX, wheelchairs, scooters and other wheeled sports users, apositive, diversionary activity for young people, reducing their likelihood of engaging in negative behaviour, opportunity for progression within the varied associated activities, a picturesque design and construction, sympathetic to the surrounding landscape.
The hardstanding area of the new skatepark will be approximately 817m2 and has been designed to accommodate approximately eight to 10 users moving simultaneously throughout the skatepark.
However, the scheme has also been designed to accommodate many more users present within the space - with a ‘taking turns’ approach.
Research showed the need for a new skatepark as young people have no dedicated facility to allow them to use their skateboards, wheelchairs, scooters, skates or BMX bikes safely and appropriately.
The local community was then consulted to discover what type and style of facility they would like.
Professional skatepark and public space design and construction company - CANVAS Spaces Limited, was appointed and a design development period then took place with members of the local community and Llandrindod Wells Town Council.
Landscaping around the skatepark will help it blend it in with the surroundings and to reduce the fall height off any ramps above ground.
A bespoke sustainable drainage system will also be installed along with a rain garden.
The layout will mitigate anti-social behaviour by creating an open-plan layout with minimal hidden areas, access will be at relatively slow areas and coloured concrete will be used to delineate different zones such as platform areas and beginner areas
Llandrindod South Councillor Pete Roberts said: “This marks a significant milestone for a project that I have worked on with the Town Council over the past three years which will provide a much needed leisure opportunity for young people in the town and secure the reputation of the Lake area as a visitor attraction for all ages and improve the linkage from the lake itself into town.”
