Work Starts on Norwich Skate Park

After years of campaigning and planning, work is getting started on Norwich’s long-awaited national-standard skate park in Febuary.

The park, funded by the agreement between Norwich City Council and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) will be built to the city council’s specifications by Freestyle Skateparks and is planned for an area near the community centre and sports ground in Eaton Park.

It will cover approximately 1,000 square metres and cost approximately £300,000. 

It will give skateboarders, BMXers and inline skaters a chance to improve their skills, and will also be good enough to host national level events.

Leader of the council Cllr Steve Morphew said: “I am delighted to see work beginning on the skate park. If all goes to plan, in the summer Norwich will have a national-class facility which will be great for young people around the city.

“I would like to thank Norwich’s skateboarders, BMX and inline skating community for their patience - which will soon be rewarded.”

The council worked closely with the Skatepark Consultation Group, who helped refine the design of the park so it can meet the needs of various disciplines.

Work is expected to take 14 weeks, with the park expected to open for use in early summer this year.

Chris Sturgess, who runs Revolutionz in Lower Goat Lane, is a founder member of the group. He said: “I’m delighted that work is about to start on the park and even more pleased that it is likely to be open for use in the summer.

“It has been a long haul - I have been involved in working towards this for seven years, with some members of the group campaigning even longer, and there were times we thought it wasn’t going to happen. But we have had a lot of support from the council and it has been worth it to see work beginning.”