Skatepark For Ealing - Update

We reveal new site proposals

Gurnell Leisure Centre is now the favoured location for Ealing's new skatepark. 

Following the news that the site at Elthorne Park has been ruled out, Ealingtoday.co.uk has been sent information detailing the rationale for Gurnell.

The Council says the £200k originally allocated for the skate park will be made available for the revised location.

Another £200k is included in the 2010/11 capital programme for landscaping and outdoor facilities at Gurnell and central funding has been identified for a new playground at the Leisure Centre.

'' Therefore the opportunity arises to consider this as a £506k outdoor play and sports project with related landscaping and environmental improvements.'' 

Other points in favour of the North Ealing location are its good transport access - it has a large pay and display car park and is near bus routes and rail stations. The Leisure Centre has a first-aid point and existing CCTV. 

In terms of local disruption the reports says: '' This site also has a reduced number of residential properties within immediate proximity. The greatest impact would be on properties in Peal Gardens, W13 (27 Households) and opposition for the scheme is likely unless carefully managed, although the location of the skate park is buffered by the existing leisure centre car park.''

Council officers say representatives from the West Ealing Skate Campaign have indicated their support for Gurnell as an alternative to Elthorne Park.

There has been no official word for the Council yet but the new location could be approved next month - if all goes to plan the site could be fully operational by summer 2011.

What do you think?

September 3rd, 2010