Morgan Sindall Construction has officially handed over a newly developed wheeled sports area to Brighton & Hove City Council, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing Hove Beach Park project. Located adjacent to Hove Lagoon, the new facility is designed to cater to the community’s diverse sporting needs and is set to feature a range of dedicated sports spaces, including a 600-square-metre roller area, a new skate park, and a 150-metre-long BMX pump track.
The initiative aims to create an inclusive environment for users of all ages and abilities, whether they enjoy rollerblading, skating, or skateboarding. The new Hove Beach Skate Park has been constructed in collaboration with Maverick Industries, a specialist in skatepark design. The facility is equipped with a spray concrete surface to provide a smooth riding experience, complementing the surrounding natural landscape. Among the park’s features are seating, stair sets, a mini-ramp with extensions, flatbanks, and various ledges, all designed to engage skate enthusiasts.
In addition to the skate park, a new sports hub has been completed, which will undergo fit-out works in the coming months. The hub will include a café with a terrace, public toilets, changing facilities, and a dedicated space for the Bowls Club. Once internal renovations are finished, the entire park is expected to officially open in spring 2025.
The redevelopment project encompasses a significant 40,000-square-metre area, which will be revitalised with new trees and flowers, enhancing biodiversity and creating a welcoming environment for the community. The initiative aims to restore underutilised green spaces while promoting health and wellbeing among local residents.
The BMX pump track has been developed in collaboration with professional designers from Velosolutions, featuring a bespoke smooth asphalt mix designed to ensure that all wheelbases can roll seamlessly. Riders will enjoy tightly spaced rollers and bermed corners, allowing them to generate speed without pedalling. The inclusive design caters to both beginners and advanced riders, offering opportunities for technical manoeuvres.
In terms of sustainability, the park will feature energy-efficient lighting equipped with anti-spill hoods to prevent light pollution. The lighting will operate between 8am and 10pm, controlled by motion sensors to ensure energy conservation.
The previous skatepark at Hove Lagoon has now closed to facilitate the relocation of children’s rides and amusements, creating a larger green space for visitors to enjoy. Guy Hannell, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the Southern Home Counties, expressed pride in the project, stating, “We’re so proud to celebrate the completion of this skate park, the first of many exciting elements at Hove Beach Park.”
Councillor Julie Cattell, Lead Member for Major Projects at Brighton & Hove City Council, praised the reaction from local skating, skateboarding, and BMX communities, emphasising the council’s commitment to improving leisure facilities across the city. “Hove Beach Park is a key part of our plans to improve leisure facilities across the city for health and wellbeing, and it’s really exciting to see it taking shape,” she said.
Russ Holbert, Director of Maverick Industries, echoed the sentiment, noting the collaborative efforts with local skaters to ensure the park meets the community’s needs. With anticipation running high for the new skate park, locals can look forward to a vibrant addition to Hove’s sporting landscape.
