LAUNCESTON is one step closer to getting its very own skatepark after a public consultation was held to gauge local opinion. 

For many years residents Launceston have expressed their desire to see the town build its own skatepark, and back in February it was finally announced that the necessary funding had been received to put the wheels in motion. 

As part of the Community Infrastructure Levy Fund, £100,000 has been put towards the development by Cornwall Council, with both Launceston Town Council, and the Coronation Park Trust funding a further £50,000 each. 

With funding acquired, Betongpark was selected to take on the project. A London-based organisation, they have “worked passionately to design and construct unique spaces for skateboarding and urban activities.” 

On November 28, the group held a public consultation to gain an understanding of what local people want from their skate space, as well as providing a preview of their vision for the park. 

Betongpark development manager Stuart Maclure told the Post: “Cornwall has a rich history of skateboarding and as a region, offers a great variety of parks. As such, we are privileged to be the chosen design and construction firm to deliver the new skatepark in Launceston, which will be completed in 2024 alongside local users and the council.

“Our vision for the skatepark is to create a fun, multi-use space that can be enjoyed by all ability levels and types of user. With integrated planting, seating and basketball court, we want the skatepark to be a destination to meet friends, get some fresh air and stay active. Our design combines classic skatepark elements with other street inspired features to create an innovative, modern skatepark with a range of textures, heights and finishes.

“The consultation on Tuesday evening was very well attended, comprised of a vocal and enthusiastic group of riders. We had a great mix of ages and types of riders in attendance, which certainly highlighted a need for a skatepark in the area. We are currently collating the data from the consultation in order to produce a revised design to present back to the council and user group.”

With their budget of £180,000, the company has created plans for an accessible park, which incorporates green spaces and includes quarter-pipes, ledges and kickers.

As well as this, the current design also offers a new basketball area to ensure the space can be used by as many young people as possible. 

Cllr Leighton Penhale, who was at the consultation said: “A skatepark for Launceston has been a topic of much discussion for many years.  Though no one would disagree that more needs to be done to keep our youth occupied and they deserve more facilities such as this.

“At the consultation, some made it clear that we should have done better than what they have seen planed, but we live in a period of great financial restraints with the redevelopment of our leisure centre and the upkeep of your park I believe the park trustees along with the town council are doing their best with funds available and the grant from Cornwall Council.” 

However, many residents in attendance were keen on the idea. One local explained that they were delighted to see something local for young people to do, saying that at the moment they’re making the trip all the way to Newquay to meet friends and visit a skatepark.

Dave Gordon from the Coronation Park Trust said: “This project has and will continue to be subject to public consultation, where it is essential that the youth tell us what they need.

“Initial plans have been drawn up, but this is subject to the feedback we get from the consultation process.

“The skatepark will be installed in the old tennis court area of the park and will hopefully bring a tired area of the park back into good use.

“Coronation Park Trust are actively working in partnership with Launceston Town Council and the Leisure Centre to make Coronation Park a destination of choice for local people and visitors in the future.”

Mayor of Launceston, Cllr Helen Bailey, added that this is a project which has been a long time coming, with work being done by several groups even before she became the town’s mayor. 

She said: “The skatepark is something the council and the trustees of Coronation Park have been working on a long time before I became Mayor.  

“Working as a partnership enabled the match funding application, so £200,000 means the space will be amazing. 

“The inclusion of the basketball area running alongside as well as the current play area means families will have lots of choice when visiting the park as well as using the Leisure Centre. 

“I am very excited to see the finished design after the consultation, as I am sure our young and not so young people will be.”

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