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Edinburgh Skatepark clears planning... |
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Thursday, 11 December 2008 |
Skateboard park gets green light
From www.bbc.co.uk
Plans to create an outdoor skatepark at Edinburgh's Saughton Park have been given the green light by city planners.
In a "momentous" decision, planners approved the plans, which will help the £750,000 project to become a reality after a 10 year effort to find a site.
Previous attempts to create a skatepark failed at Inverleith Park in 2006 because of a local by-law issue.
Proposals also at the Meadows in 2003 were scrapped because of the park's conservation area status.
Plans will now be referred to Scottish Ministers for final clearance.
The 2,000 sq m facility will incorporate beginner areas, intermediate ramps and challenging competition-standard features and is intended for use by children and beginners as well as advanced skateboarders.
Deidre Brock, Edinburgh City Council sports leader, said: "This is a momentous day for alternative sports in Edinburgh - skateboarders have been waiting for this decision for 10 years.
"The previous projects never got off the starting blocks causing years of frustration but this new plan, developed over the last year, will bring a facility to the city that will have a huge impact on Edinburgh's young people.
"Now we'll press ahead with our designers to make sure we get the best possible facility on this ideal site."
Top class
Edinburgh Skatepark Project member Sam Paterson, who has been campaigning for a facility for 10 years, said: "The need for a skatepark in Edinburgh has long been recognised by skateboarders, bmx-ers and rollerbladers and we've enjoyed the support of the council in our efforts to see the project through to fruition.
"These sports have become established and accepted over the last decade and it is fitting that the decision has been taken to move forward with the building of the facility. Edinburgh deserves to have a top class skatepark - it's fitting for a capital city.
"We are very grateful for the support from all of the local community groups who have been extremely positive during the consultation process and also to the police who have recognised the benefits the project will bring to the area. Roll on 2009."
Saughton Park has several grass football pitches, an enclosed running track, a play area and a new all weather 'third generation' full size pitch and sevens area. The skatepark site is located to the east of the existing play area next to Balgreen Road.
Renowned Skatepark designer Dave Sowerby, who designed the new indoor facility at Ocean Terminal, has been involved in the Saughton project.
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