A brand new place for young people to skate is to become a reality as work gets underway on a much anticipated skate park in Heysham.

The new facility at Douglas Park, which will be built on the site of a disused multi-use games area, will transform a section of the park into a vibrant space designed for skateboarding, BMX riding, scootering and roller skating.

The project comes in response to growing calls for more facilities for teenagers. Residents who added their voice to a public consultation, highlighted a lack of spaces where young people could meet, keep active and spend time outdoors.

Featuring a range of low to medium-height concrete ramps and street-style features, the skatepark, aims to breathe life back into an underused area while creating opportunities for recreation, exercise and social connection to encourage healthier lifestyles.

An artists impression of how the new skate park could look in Heysham.

placeholder image — An artists impression of how the new skate park could look in Heysham.

Councillor Paul Hart, Lancaster City Council’s Cabinet member for parks and green spaces, said: "Funding facilities like this is about investing in our young people and in the future of our communities.

“We know there has been a demand for more things for young people to do in Heysham, and this new skatepark will provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive space where young people can be active, develop new skills and spend time with friends.

"Providing high-quality recreational facilities is an important part of supporting health, wellbeing and community life, and we're pleased to be delivering a project that local residents told us they wanted to see."

Lighting will be reinstated as part of the project, helping to improve visibility and the overall environment.

Construction is due to begin this week and will take approximately two months to complete.

The opening date will be announced once the new skatepark is ready for use.