Work starts on £160k skatepark at Rugby's Whitehall Rec - and it could be ready before the new year

An artist's impression of how the park will look.

Work has started on a new skatepark at Rugby's Whitehall Recreation Ground - and it could be ready for use by BMX and skate enthusiasts before the new year.

Rugby council teamed up with Bristol-based CANVAS, specialists in skatepark design and construction, to deliver the £160,000 project.

The skatepark is part of the refurbishment of Whitehall Recreation Ground, with feedback received from residents during public consultations helping to shape the plans.

The council and CANVAS held meetings with Rugby skateboarding and BMX enthusiasts to design of the new skatepark, with CANVAS specialising in creating parks which complement public spaces.

Work on the skatepark looks set to be completed by the end of the year, weather permitting.

Cllr Howard Roberts, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for environment and public realm, said: "A skatepark was one of the most requested facilities during the public consultation on the refurbishment of Whitehall Rec, and we've worked closely with the town's skateboarding and BMX communities to design a facility which both meets the needs of skateboarders and BMX riders, and complements the wider surroundings of the recreation ground.

"Despite the many challenges the pandemic has presented this year, I'm pleased we've been able to push ahead with our programme of improvements to the borough's parks and open spaces, which includes a skatepark at Brownsover's Hollowell Way play area in the new year."

The skatepark has been funded by the council and Section 106 contributions.

The refurbishment of Whitehall Recreation Ground has so far included a new play area, part-funded by a £75,000 grant from the Veolia Environmental Trust, work to improve the area surrounding the War Memorial, and new 'easy gates' at all entrances.

A future phase of the refurbishment looks set to include the restoration of the recreation ground's historic bandstand.

For more information on the refurbishment, visit www.rugby.gov.uk/WhitehallRec