Stockwell Skatepark, close to Brixton town centre, is to get a half million pound makeover to smooth worn-out and rough concrete surfaces and add modern skating features.
The outdoor park on Stockwell Road, which is free to use, opened in 1978 and attracts skateboarders, BMX bikers and others riders of all ages and abilities from a wide area.
Lambeth council, which owns the site, said it had worked closely with the Friends of Stockwell Skatepark (FOSS) and local residents on the refurbishment which will start on 4 April.
The skatepark was listed as an asset of community value in 2015.
The council said the improvements will significantly improve the experience for all types of wheeled riders, with an improved flow around the park, a more inviting space for beginners, and refreshed seating.
Betongpark, one of Europe’s leading skatepark design and construction firms, will do the work. It is expected to take four months with re-opening scheduled for the end of July.
Brixton BMX Club, whose main track is in Brockwell Park, are also involved in the project.
Donatus Anyanwu, Lambeth council cabinet member for the voluntary sector and leisure, said: “Stockwell skatepark is really valued by both the council and the community, so I am delighted that this important improvement project will soon start.
“We have seen skateboarding making a big comeback over the last few years and this project will help create a skatepark our young people can really enjoy.
“Engaging with the community has been central to this project and I thank everyone who has been involved for giving up their time so willingly, and their passion for the project.
“We have really worked hard to get this right, factoring in the needs of different users so the end result will be a really inclusive skatepark for all to enjoy.”
Other improvements will include a new family friendly and accessible viewing area.
To support community use, the London Marathon Trust has given £10,000 towards sessions for local schools, Lambeth residents and disabled users for when the park re-opens.
Some of this money also will go towards skateboarding courses, including specialist instructor training for people with disabilities.
Daphne Greca, from FOSS, a community association that works to protect and promote the Skatepark, has campaigned for the refurbishment and said she was excited that the project is set to soon start.
“Stockwell skatepark is loved by so many people, and it’s such a valuable site for so many reasons,” she said.
“It boosts wellbeing, gives young people an exciting way of exercising – but, more than that, a community has built up around the park which is just brilliant.
“The park sits in the middle of an incredibly diverse, heavily built-up area where opportunities for free outdoor exercise and socialising in a safe space for our young people are in short supply.
“The park is currently run down, the surface is bumpy and its features are out of date.
“We are delighted that this overhaul is now going ahead and are excited to be working alongside the council and Betongpark on getting this done.”
The project will be completed using contributions from developers for local projects worth £180,000, including £100,000 from Network Homes, a housing association that has built new flats next to the skatepark, £110,000 from the London Marathon Trust and further funding from the council.
Daryl Nobbs, Director of Betongpark, said: “It’s a privilege and an honour to be working on this prestigious project with such a passionate group of local users.
“As London skaters ourselves who have ridden the park for years, we’re looking forward to updating and restoring the space for generations to come.”
The announcement follows an announcement that Kennington Park Skatebowl is to be returned to its former glory ahead of a scheduled re-opening later this year.
Once re-opened the park will add to Lambeth’s large collection of outdoor skateparks, including Southbank skatepark and Clapham Common skatepark.
There has been concern in recent years about the use of Windrush Square by skateboarders.
