Work begins on brand-new Midhurst skatepark

Works began for a brand-new state-of-the-art skatepark in Carron Lane on Monday (December 12) and works are expected to be completed six to eight weeks later, the town council has said.

The new skatepark is being built on the site of the original Carron Lane Skatepark which was dedicated to one of its users, Steve McGill, who died.

His plaque will be removed and placed in the new park to commemorate him.

With help from students at Midhurst Rother College who shared their designs, and pupils at Midhurst Primary School, Maverick Skateparks finalised designs for the new and improved skatepark which will be featuring a range of ramps and rails.

A Covid-safe launch event will be announced nearer the opening around spring.

Town councillor Gordon McAra said: “Work has now started in transforming the old and tired skatepark at the recreation ground in Carron Lane into a modern and much more relevant facility for users.

“The building work has been delayed by a couple of months due to Covid restrictions but is now well underway.

“Midhurst Town Council is investing £150,000 in the new facility, part of which is grant aided, including an important grant of £15,000 from Chichester District Council.

“We anticipate the work being finished by the beginning of March but for operational reasons the car park at the scout hut has been closed during the work period.”

Cllr Steve Morley added: “After all the sadness of last year I’m delighted to be able to start 2021 with this good news for our town’s youth.

“The new skatepark will be a wonderful morale boost to many families looking to use our recreation ground this summer.

“Hopefully we’ll even be able to reinstate some skateboard competitions.”