Indoor skatepark planned
PROPOSALS TO CONVERT FORMER CITY GARAGE
A FORMER garage is set to be converted into an indoor skatepark.
The industrial unit in Burgess Road, off Saffron Lane, has been empty since around Christmas but a not-for-profit organisation has now been granted planning permission to kit it out for skaters.
Mama Skate, based in Great Stretton, says the new skatepark will fill a gap in Leicester’s youth provision, and help tackle antisocial behaviour by giving young people somewhere to hang out.
In documents submitted to planners at the city council, the organisation said: “Leicester does not have an indoor skatepark.
“The nearest provision of a similar facility is over 25 miles away. Both new and existing communities require adequate sports and leisure facilities.
“Skateboarding is not being accommodated for within the city in comparison to our neighbouring cities such as Nottingham and Birmingham. This can be seen through the work of Skate Nottingham. This newly recognised Olympic sport has been overlooked in prehistoric policies and funding in comparison to sports such as football, rugby and tennis.”
More than 700 people have signed a petition to get a skate park in the city.
Mama Skate continued: “Recent reports show that the area of Leicester in question, Aylestone, particularly the area around Atlee Way and the B5366 in Aylestone Park is the most deprived area of Leicestershire.
“It also has had an increase in antisocial behaviour in the last year.
“We think a skatepark would be a massive contribution to the improvement of such numbers, by taking children and young adults off the street, offering voluntary and paid roles in a sport that appeals greatly with disengaged youth and involving the community in workshops and events.”
The new skatepark could create a dozen full and part-time jobs. There are, however, concerns that it could in fact lead to antisocial behaviour in the area, not prevent it, and a number of letters have been sent to the council objecting to it.
Deputy mayor Councillor Adam Clarke said: “It’s a good organisation that will provide a really good facility we don’t yet have in the city but we have asked them to ensure they are good neighbours.”