The Mill Skatepark Moves A Step Forward

After Swale Young People stepping in to get things moving, contractors have been approved to design and build Sittingbourne’s new multi-use skatepark.

The skatepark, which is set to be built next to the Mill Way Retail Park, was first suggested in 2011 for the site by a group of young people fed up with having nowhere to go.
Since then, more than £300,000 has been secured to design and build the park, which will be managed and maintained by Brogdale CIC.

The council carried out a competitive tender for the design and build of the skatepark, and local young people were consulted on the proposed design, with Gravity Engineering Ltd being the contractor chosen.

Cllr Ken Pugh, cabinet member for housing and wellbeing at the council, said:
“This skatepark will be a great addition for the local community, giving young people a purpose built space to skate.
“It was crucial for us to make sure young people’s ideas were taken into consideration when selecting the winning firm. They are the ones who will be using it, so we need to work with them to make sure it will be a well-used and valued facility.”

Jordon Rogers, one of the young people involved in setting up the park, said:
“The decision to award the contract to Gravity is another massive step forward for The Mill Project, and marks the beginning of what I’m sure is going to be a huge year for us.
“For the project that I helped to start back in 2011 when I was just 15 years old to be this close the completion is an amazing feeling, and I am forever grateful to everyone who has helped us along the way.”
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Outline planning permission for the skatepark has already been agreed, and detailed plans are expected to come to the council for planning permission by April.
If approved, work is expected to begin on the site late June, and the skatepark should be opened in Autumn 2017.