Top of car park could become roller skating venue

The top two floors of a multi-storey car park could be transformed into a skate park under new plans.

The proposed facility at Whalebridge Car Park in Swindon would be specifically for roller skaters and operated by the group Swindon Skate Social.

Gareth Davies, the group's owner, said: "We've been looking for a safe place to skate for a while. We've got one regular booking but it took me two and a half years to find it. This is a safe environment, it's outdoors, it's fresh air and it's a great community builder."

The car park, on Islington Street, is "underused" according to Swindon Borough Council, which said the scheme could act as a pilot to inspire similar ventures across the town.

The council has submitted an application to its planning department and, if approved, work at the car park could start in the summer.

Kevin Small, cabinet member for finance, said: "These changes to Whalebridge car park will demonstrate how these types of activities can transform underused spaces into vibrant uses for the community.

"We're also looking at what can be done at our other car parks and, if this skate offering is a success, we'll aim to bring other facilities to other locations in the town centre."

Jim Robbins, council leader, said: "If we want our town centre to thrive and increase the amount of time people spend in the town centre, we need to look at innovative ways to achieve this, which is what this proposal for Whalebridge car park is all about."

A similar scheme is already in place in Bristol, where a former Debenhams store has been converted for skateboarding.

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