AusLeisure

Sydney skaters are one step closer to a new CBD skate park with the City of Sydney Council considering a proposal to turn under-utilised land beneath the Western Distributor road into a state-of-the-art skate space.

The City has prepared a feasibility study to assess the suitability of a skate park at the Western Distributor underpass in the north of the CBD, and is recommending to Council the development of a concept plan for community consultation.

The need for increased skate facilities in the CBD was identified in the City's 2006 Youth and Skate Facility Needs Study, which indicated that there are at least 2,000 potential skateboarders living within the City of Sydney, and around 56,000 skateboarders living within 20 kilometres of the CBD.

There are currently two designated skating areas within the City: Waterloo Skate Park, which opened in July 2006, and a skate ramp at Federal Park, Glebe, which was upgraded in 2005. An additional small skateable area at Redfern Oval opened in 2008, with another currently under construction at Ward Park, Surry Hills.

"The proposed skate park under the Western Distributor could enable greater public enjoyment of a forgotten site and provide Sydney's skaters with a purpose-built urban space where they can skate safely," said Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP.

A number of potential skate park sites within the CBD were investigated by the City, but the feasibility study of the Western Distributor underpass site found it to be the most suitable option due to its central location and proximity to public transport and other amenities, as well as the opportunity it presents to invigorate an under-utilised public space.

The proposed site is owned by the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) and is currently maintained and managed by the City. The RTA was consulted during the feasibility study investigation, and the City will continue to work with the RTA as the concept plan is developed.

Key project facilities could include an urban skate plaza, a skate bowl, defined skate routes to and from the space, improved pedestrian access and sustainable elements such as stormwater treatment design, water reuse and energy efficient lighting.

The project could also incorporate other recreational facilities such as a basketball hoop and a climbing wall.

As well as extensive community consultation, pedestrian and traffic management studies and safety and accessibility audits will be conducted as part of the concept plan development.

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