Development of new skate park could take a 'big step forward'

The development of a new skate park at a seafront site at West Cross could take a big step forward next week.

On January 21, the cabinet of site owner Swansea Council will discuss the location being leased to Mumbles Community Council, which has planning permission for the skate park.

Cabinet members will consider a report that details how a recent public consultation on the proposed use of the site had attracted overwhelmingly positive feedback.

The community council will be free to develop the site, which currently has a single skate ramp, if members agree to leasing the site, and once lease terms have been agreed.

Jason Williams, chair of Mumbles Skatepark Association, said that the re-development of the site had been designed with the geography in mind, and will bring tourism to the area as well as a sense of belonging, self-esteem, independence and shared ownership within the community.

"The ramp is great, and it's been well used over the years, but skateboarding, BMX and other sports have moved on now. The skatepark has really been developed in terms of being fit for purpose for all abilities and a mix of interests," he said.

"I think it ties in well with the Wellbeing and Future Generations Act and Swansea and Wales' missions for a healthier Wales.

"We've had a lot of support and interest from local independent businesses. I think they see that there's going to be an economic benefit, not just within Swansea, but with people coming from outside the city to use the facility."

David Hopkins, cabinet member for delivery and operations, said: "There's overwhelming community support for the project, with only a small number of objections for the site's use as a skate park.

"Positive factors stated by those who took part in our consultation included benefits for health, wellbeing and mental and physical fitness.

"They said there was the potential to create a positive ethos within the skating community, with young adults teaching young children, and that this would build self-esteem and a sense of belonging.

"We were told that the skate park is something people of all ages can get involved with, that it is family friendly and accessible to all. The location was considered suitable, with easy access."

The public consultation took place last month as the latest stage in the proposal to create the skate park at the site.

An independent review of sites, undertaken by the community council in liaison with Swansea Council officers, concluded that the Llwynderw site was the most suitable location. Mumbles Community Council was then granted planning permission.

The 25-year lease, which will see the community council take on full responsibility for the land, will allow the scheme to go ahead.

"I think the work that Mumbles Community Council has done has been phenomenal in driving this, and I'm mindful that it very much came from the work they did within schools asking kids what they wanted. It's come from a grassroots cause, and it's the council answering that grassroots cause," Mr Williams continued.

"In this process, they've fully consulted the stakeholders to make sure it's as inclusive as possible. It's not tucked away, it's in an open, non-threatening environment and the design is there to make sure it's got disability access.

"We've had good feedback from extreme wheelchair users to make sure it's suitable for them as well and I think that's really important.

"We appreciate that it's still got to go to scrutiny on Tuesday and the cabinet meeting on Thursday. Hopefully, Swansea Council can see the overwhelming response to this.

"We have our own petition and that's had around 5,000 signatures. It's something that Swansea is crying out for."

Robert Francis Davies, cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said: "The Llwynderw skatepark is a well-located hub for the Swansea skate community.

"The site has numerous positive factors making it a suitable location with potential to further enhance the Blackpill activity area.

"Re-use of the current site and facility is appropriate and more sustainable than creating a new skatepark elsewhere in the Mumbles area.

"The planning process showed that the site has a majority of support from the community and skatepark users."