Bishop's Waltham Parish Council plans for new skate park

Winchester City Council will determine the application which seeks the extension and redevelopment of the previous skatepark there.

The current skate park, which was opened in September 2007, faced safety issues, leading to the removal of ramps and other structures. Since then, the area has remained an unused area of hard standing, creating demand for an improved facility.

Acknowledging the growing demand, the parish council hopes to revitalise the site. Its approach includes integrating the existing slope adjacent to the location as a feature of the new design.

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Planning documents state: "By integrating the existing sloped area to the north and northwest of the existing skate park, a natural feature will be able to be integrated into the skate park’s design whilst making efficient use of a currently inaccessible and under-utilised area of the public space.

"The skate park will be of a concrete construction to ensure longevity, unlike the previous metal structures.

"The existing vehicular access and car parking arrangement at Priory Park will be used. However, is it envisaged that most users of the skate park will walk or cycle to the facility from the surrounding residential area."

The proposal has already undergone a pre-application process which established the principle of development as acceptable.

The skatepark designs were submitted by Gravity Skateparks who have constructed skateparks across the country including Mile End in London, Wakefield and Guernsey.

The proposed facility boasts a sleek rectangular design featuring transition ramps on both sides and an array of obstacles in the centre, these include rails, ledges, and funboxes.