We’re excited to share how Newmarket’s brand new, state-of-the-art (or should that be skate-of-the-art?) skate park came to life with help from local school children and our partners.
It’s been great to follow the development of this community space from start to finish. Take a look at our video about the project:
It all started back in 2017, when pupils from Newmarket Academy approached West Suffolk Council and explained that the old steel and timber skate park structure in George Lambton Playing Fields needed to be replaced. They began fundraising in 2018 and were supported to present a business case to us to secure some funding. We provided £70,000, along with £50,000 from West Suffolk Council. The young people also approached local businesses to raise more money for the project, securing over £38,000.
An important milestone was reached in February 2020, when the planning application was submitted. Gravity Engineering Ltd completed the first phase of the work at the end of August 2020. The free-flowing concrete space and new bowl feature opened in October 2020, after the second phase works were completed, which included new and upgraded lighting, security cameras and bins. As part of the creation of the skate park, a key section of the Yellow Brick Road pedestrian and cycle link between residential areas and the town centre was improved, and the lighting will allow for year-round use of the park in all weather.
Fiona Butcher, our Placemaking and Partnerships Manager, said: “One of the most rewarding things about this project is that it has been the pupils who have driven its success from the start. It has been a real collaborative approach and shows what a thriving community can achieve when it works together. Well done to all those involved, especially Newmarket’s young people who have shown drive, determination, and teamwork throughout this process; it has been an absolute pleasure working with them”.