05 June 2019
After a detailed site assessment carried out by Growth, Housing and Environment, Les Quennevais Sports Centre has been identified as the preferred site for a new skatepark that will become the hub of urban sports in Jersey.
Upon approval of plans and the necessary funding, this will be the site of a mixed use park where skaters, BMXers, rollerbladers and scooters can learn and improve their skills. Additionally, it is proposed that further skate-friendly areas will be developed across the island, particularly in St. Helier, where access will be easy for all.
A Government-produced site suitability report, published today (Wednesday 5 June), assessed 15 locations against a set of criteria and concluded that Les Quennevais Sports Centre would be the most appropriate location; the smaller skate-friendly areas have not yet been identified.
The Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture with delegated responsibility for Sport, Senator Steve Pallett, said: “Urban sports may not be seen as mainstream by many, but they are already part of the lifestyle of many islanders of all ages. They provide not only an outlet for many young people who generally do not engage in more popular sports but also an opportunity to meet socially while enjoying their chosen activity.
“As a Government, we have committed to improving islanders’ wellbeing both physically and mentally and importantly to putting children first. I am confident that we will be able to build excellent facilities before July 2020, so that we can harness the interest that the Olympics will generate.
“The necessary consultation will begin shortly to enable all those living and working close to Les Quennevais, as well as valued users of the Sports Centre and all interested islanders, to learn more about the proposals. We would also like to engage further with the Jersey Skateparks Association (JSA) and skatepark users regarding the design of the new facility which is likely to be between 1,500 and 2,000 square metres in size.
"The estimated cost of the new facility at Les Quennevais is £800,000 but a business case has been put forward within the upcoming Government Plan for £1.3 million over two years to include further skater friendly facilities around the island.”
Karl Payne from the Jersey Skateparks Accociation said: “We have worked closely with the Government of Jersey on the plan to have a main hub for the park users at Les Quennevais. Together we developed the other major part of the plan to create a number of smaller sites in St Helier and across the island. We believe that this plan will serve Jersey better than one single park, and will future-proof the island by having more facilities for urban sports as more young people get involved in skateboarding, BMXing, rollerblading and other wheeled sports.”
Catriona McAllister, CEO of Jersey Sport said: “It is great that a site has now been identified as these sports are any important part of helping to address the low levels of physical activity in children and young people. It will be fantastic to have a quality destination park but it is important this is supported by smaller satellite facilities in and around town. Having a park like this will really help grow these sports on the island.”
Details of the consultation and the event will be available on the gov.je consultations page.
gov.je