Council handed £390k estimate for skatepark construction

For the first time, MyWelshpool can reveal that Welshpool Town Council has been handed a £390,000 estimate for constructing a new skatepark.

The replacement of the former skatepark that was removed during the Covid pandemic due to health and safety concerns is seen as a priority for the Town Council.

But after five years, and with the local authority facing huge financial challenges, the project’s delay has become a regular headline maker and we can reveal why.

The eye-popping estimate has been published in a report released ahead of a debate tonight regarding a suggestion to use the site earmarked for the new skatepark as a paid car park.

That idea has ignited a healthy debate, with councillors wanting to look at new ways of raising income and seeing the Maesydre car park as a potential source of revenue.

But the report also shows that any potential income, based on the numbers of cars using the site daily for free at the moment, would be pretty insignificant.

The report also highlights the impact on the sports clubs that charging for parking would have, and also the issues with the site designated as a ‘Queen Elizabeth II Field’ in 2014 for recreational use only.

It will be discussed at the Town Council’s Strategy, Policy and Development Committee tonight at 7.15pm in the Town Hall.

Previously, the Town Council has pointed the finger of blame for delays at specialist company, Canvas, with councillors told they were the only company in the UK available to carry out the project.

Meanwhile, MyWelshpool understands that parallel talks are happening behind the scenes between several entities to reignite a new, and more affordable, skatepark proposal which could come to council in the coming weeks.