‘Wheelie’ excited about a new concrete skatepark for Prudhoe

It might seem like we have been talking concrete for years, but January 2020 was the moment firm foundations were laid.  Prudhoe Town Council agreed to earmark £50,000 in the 2020/21 budget as a starting block to the required funds.

The money demonstrated the Council’s commitment to progressing this much sought-after improvement for Highfield Park and for the young people in the town.

Everywhere we look metal ramps are being replaced with concrete parks and the Council is well aware that the current skatepark is outdated and becoming more difficult to maintain.

The next step was to establish a user group.  The group met in March, but unfortunately further consultation was put on hold due to COVID-19.

Work continued behind the scenes.  As well as agreeing a new, longer lease for the park with Northumberland Estates, Highfield Park was successfully nominated as an ‘Asset of Community Value’ (ACV).  Not owning the park outright, the Town Council sought to protect the area and convinced the Local Authority that the park was essential for the social wellbeing of the community.

As of today, everything has ramped up.  The tender process to design and build a concrete skatepark was agreed at the Council’s meeting on Wednesday night, with a total budget of £180k.  The opportunity is live and in motion having been sent to a number of well regarded skatepark design and build companies.  The successful partner will be required to further consult with users.