At a meeting on Thursday 24 October, members of Thanet District Council’s Cabinet will consider proposals relating to the Margate Town Deal Skatepark project.
The project which is part of the multi-million pound Margate Town Deal has a current funding allocation of £984,000 including £59,000 match funding from the council. The report before Cabinet proposes the use of additional funding of £350,000, from the existing Town Deal allocation and a revised approach to the ongoing management and maintenance of the site.
The skatepark is envisioned as a community recreation space to be enjoyed by skaters of all levels and will regenerate the site at Ethelbert Crescent. In addition to the skatepark, plans for the site include new public toilets and a refreshment kiosk. The skatepark will be free to access and open to all.
In a change to previous plans for a community interest company to manage the maintenance, repairs and health and safety requirements for the site and the kiosk, the report now proposes that the skatepark site, including the kiosk and toilets, remain under the management of Thanet District Council. It recommends that the kiosk be let out through a commercial agreement, with the income from the concession being ring fenced to a sinking fund for the skatepark for the management, maintenance and repair of the site and any ongoing costs.
The report seeks support for officers to engage with the Margate Skatepark project sponsors, to ensure the use of the skatepark for social cohesion and engagement activities in skateboarding and community participation.
It also asks that Cabinet approves the reallocation of £350,000 to improve the public realm around the skatepark and Jubilee Play Park, in particular from a health and safety perspective. The funding is being moved from the Active Movement and Connections theme which included public realm, to the Coastal Wellbeing Intervention of which the Margate Skatepark is a part.
This will bring total Margate Town Deal funding for the skatepark and investment in the surrounding environs to £1.33m.
Cllr Ruth Duckworth, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Property, said: “The Margate Skatepark is a very popular project and has the potential to be a space that the entire community can use and be proud of.
“At a time when so much of the provision, particularly for our local young people, is under threat this will be a welcome addition to the recreational facilities in the district.
“Decisions about how we ensure its long-term future are critical and I value the opportunity to review plans and establish a sustainable way forward.”
The full meeting agenda, including a link to the report, is available on the council’s website.
Further information and updates on the Skatepark and Margate Town Deal can be found on the council’s website.
