Redruth’s Skatepark

Redruth Wheeled Sports Park (aka Redruth Skatepark!)

Author: Chairman of Redruth Town Band and Chairman of the Friends of Victoria Park, Ian Thomas
Written: September 2021

Like the Tour of Britain Cycle Race did, the Redruth’s Skatepark build proceeds at a great pace! You may have noticed that works started in earnest at East End Playing Field on Monday, August 2nd, 2021. I had the honour and privilege of cutting the first turf on behalf of our town.

Regrettably, the project has taken a decade to get to this point, but during all that time the Town Council has been determined to deliver on its commitment and has focused its business on securing sufficient land and funding; to carry out mining, ground and noise, surveys; submit planning applications and variations; conduct many design concept and consultation exercises with local ‘riders’ and the independent Redruth Skatepark Association as an advisory and fund-raising group.  Through the torturous EU tendering process, a number of Companies were invited by the Town Council to tender for the park build with Maverick Skateparks Limited eventually being appointed as the ‘Preferred Bidder’.  

So, to the how?

It was no surprise that the greatest problem was in raising sufficient funds, to place the build contract with Maverick Skateparks Limited.  The Town Council established the budget envelope. They secured three different S.106 Allocations and some other minor contributions and donations. The Town Council then appointed a Project Manager, Imelda Martin. She relatively quickly put in place the final piece of the financial jigsaw. Our grateful thanks go to the SUEZ Community Trust.

And the what and when?

The Redruth Skatepark will be a ‘destination’ for all wheeled enthusiasts, whatever their ‘mode of transport’, skill level, age or ability.  Our park will be inclusive and safe. It hopes to satisfy the needs of the complete novice, the experienced rider, or those who seek a greater challenge and, especially, those who are less mobile.  The recent Olympics and Paralympics have not only demonstrated the passion for wheeled sports, but the ‘Art of the Possible’ too.

Cllr Ian Thomas
Redruth Town Council Skatepark Lead Member