Key Points
- Lambeth Council had promised a £500,000 refurbishment of the iconic Stockwell Skatepark, first opened in 1978.
- The skatepark serves skateboarders, BMX bikers, and riders of all ages and abilities across Lambeth borough.
- Refurbishment plans aimed to improve surfaces, ramps, accessibility, and viewing areas.
- Friends of Stockwell Skatepark (FOSS) and the local community have actively supported the refurbishment.
- A petition with 1.7k signatures demands that Lambeth Council honours the refurbishment promise.
- Similar refurbishment projects for Kennington Park Skatebowl and other skateparks in Lambeth are underway or planned.
- Concerns are rising that funding commitments may be at risk or delayed, raising fears among the skateboarding community.
What is the history and significance of Stockwell Skatepark?
As reported by Love Lambeth on March 9, 2022, Stockwell Skatepark, located near Brixton town centre, has been a beloved free outdoor skatepark since 1978, attracting riders of all ages and skill levels. The site was officially listed as an Asset of Community Value in 2015, recognising its importance to the local community. Daphne Greca from the Friends of Stockwell Skatepark emphasised its value, saying the park “boosts well-being, gives young people an exciting way of exercising” and serves as a safe social space in a heavily built-up area scarce in outdoor exercise opportunities.
- Key Points
- What is the history and significance of Stockwell Skatepark?
- What was promised in the refurbishment plan?
- What is the current state of the skatepark refurbishment?
- What is the situation with other skateparks in Lambeth?
- Why is the refurbishment important to the community?
- How are the council and community responding?
What was promised in the refurbishment plan?
Lambeth Council pledged a comprehensive refurbishment in collaboration with FOSS and Betongpark, a leading European skatepark design and construction firm. The refurbishment, budgeted at around £500,000, aimed to resurface the worn and bumpy concrete, refresh the ramps, improve the flow and accessibility, and add family-friendly viewing areas. Funding included contributions from local developers, Network Homes, the London Marathon Trust, and the council itself. Betongpark’s director, Daryl Nobbs, described it as a prestigious project reflecting the community’s passion.
Luke Smith, Managing Director of Capital Concrete, who supplied the coloured concrete used for the resurfacing, noted restoring the distinctive red surface last seen during the park’s golden era in the 1990s and 2000s. This makeover was intended to encourage a new generation of riders post-skateboarding’s Olympic debut.
What is the current state of the skatepark refurbishment?
Despite earlier reports that the refurbishment work started in April 2022 and was expected to take around four months, multiple sources and community voices now report the iconic skatepark has been left in disrepair again. A petition signed by 1.7k supporters demands Lambeth Council honours its refurbishment commitment and protects the skatepark from further decline.
The skateboarding community expresses frustration that the promised improvements have not fully materialised or been maintained. Similar concerns are rising regarding other local skatepark projects, such as the Kennington Park Skatebowl, where Lambeth Council has been reported to consider pulling funding despite years of planning and community efforts.
What is the situation with other skateparks in Lambeth?
Apart from Stockwell Skatepark, Kennington Park Skatebowl—locally known as “Kenny”—is another iconic skate venue. The bowl, built in the 1970s with a unique Radical Banking design, has fallen into disrepair. Lambeth Council began refurbishment work aiming to restore it to its original condition and improve accessibility, with phased work planned since early 2022.
Community advocacy groups, including Friends of Kennington Park, have actively campaigned to save and restore the skatebowl. However, recent reports indicate the council’s potential withdrawal of funding has caused alarm among skateboarders and local supporters.
Why is the refurbishment important to the community?
The skateparks in Lambeth are more than just recreational facilities—they are key social and cultural hubs. They support youth wellbeing, physical activity, inclusivity, and community cohesion in a densely populated urban area with limited free outdoor spaces. Community leaders and campaigners emphasise that refurbishing and maintaining these skateparks uphold promises to residents and nurture grassroots sports culture.
How are the council and community responding?
Lambeth Council previously stressed close community engagement to ensure the refurbishment meets diverse user needs. Cllr Donatus Anyanwu highlighted the revival of skateboarding and the council’s commitment to delivering an inclusive skatepark for all. At Kennington Park, Cllr Sonia Winifred described the skatebowl restoration as an exciting project that reflects the borough’s active skateboarding community.
On the community side, active groups like the Friends of Stockwell Skatepark and Friends of Kennington Park continue to campaign vigorously. They seek to hold the council accountable to refurbishment promises and encourage public support through petitions and awareness drives.
