Milnrow Skatepark nears completion

Rochdale based Precision Poured Concrete (PCC) at Milnrow Skate Park

Work has been underway on what will become Milnrow Skatepark and it is hoped that the park will be finished within the next few weeks.

The Skatepark, which will be located in Milnrow Memorial Park, will give skateboarders, BMXers, scooter riders and mini skaters a space just for them. 

It will be located on the eastern edge and will be built on the former Milnrow and District tip site.

Work has be undertaken with materials being supplied by Rochdale based Precision Poured Concrete (PCC).

Will Metcalf from PCC said: “We have about two months left and we are nearly done. There are only two deliveries left to be made.”

The street scene skate park will be made from concrete and will have ramps, runs and a variety of features that are often found in the urban environment including kerbs and handrails.

Will added: “It has been a weird operation. The cement used has a high proportion of sand and a high proportion of cement with a little proportion of stone. It is then sprayed on.”

Councillor Andy Kelly, who is councillor for Milnrow and Newhey, submitted the original plans for the skate park along with friends group, Friends of Milnrow Park.

Irene Davidson, Secretary of Friends of Milnrow Park, said: “I honestly can’t wait. I have lived and breathed this skate park for the past seven years so it’s a little surreal that it’s actually happening now.”

A total of £78,000 was put into the project with the rest of the money being fundraised by the group.

Councillor Kelly said: “What is nice is that local people have been asking about the skatepark and when it will be completed. I am looking forward to it but I don’t think I will be putting my skates on.”

Irene added: “Everything has gone really well and even with the hiccup of having equipment stole, things have still gone well.

"We are really pleased with the work and really pleased with the company we have worked with.

"I have had one of the funders down to see it and they are completely overwhelmed.”

When planning the work, the friends group spoke with young people from Hollingworth Business and Enterprise College and the Newhey County Primary School.

The young people involved gave their overwhelming support for the skate park with several young people visiting the site to give their input into the design.

Councillor Kelly added: “I am very much looking forward to the park being completed and giving the kids somewhere they can go. They asked for it and now they have got it.”