Work starts on the landmark £270,000 skatepark at North Walls on Monday 7th April, with funding of £170,000 from Town Forum open space funds; £100,000 from the Veolia Environmental Trust, made through the Landfill Communities Fund; £10,000 from Headbourne Worthy Parish Council; and £240 from Tichbourne Parish Council.
The skatepark will feature a modern design that uses spray concrete rather than prefabricated ramps. This approach provides more options for users and it is more sustainable.
The skatepark's design was developed after a consultation process undertaken by the City Council. In 2012, over 50 young people and other interested individuals put forward their ideas at a public meeting to launch the project.
Keen skater Steve Willoughby, who lives in Winchester City Centre, was instrumental to the project, and met Steve Brine back in 2011 as the campaign kicked off. Following the announcement, he said: "After nearly three years of trying, Winchester is finally getting the skate park it deserves and all of those that will be using it, myself included, couldn't be happier. I don't believe any of us were prepared for such a project that has been so full of ups and downs and sheer drama!
"This has literally made me, and hopefully those involved, feel like anything can be achieved if you want it hard enough. If anyone else is considering attempting something similar in their town I hope this result has given you the inspiration to follow through with your idea and make it happen.
"Thank you to all the local riders, the elected design committee, Winchester City Council, Facebook followers, Maverick Industries, our MP Steve Brine, Veolia Environmental Trust, family, friends and beautiful girlfriend who have been a great support in turning what was an idea into a flying success. This would not have been possible without you."
Steve Brine added: "Steve Willoughby is such a driven young man, and I was so inspired when I met him for the first time back in 2011. Since then we've been in regular contact, and I was simply thrilled when I heard the confirmation. Well done to all who have worked so hard to make this happen!"
A design team, which included representatives of the park's users, worked for six months to create and revise the design. This was launched at a public meeting in January 2013. Local residents and organisations including the Indoor Bowling Club, the Canoe Club, and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, were also consulted on the design.
The footpath between the existing skatepark and the play area, from the bridge to the leisure centre, will be closed during the work but the play area will remain open and accessible from the entrance closest to the leisure centre.
Winchester's other skateparks at King George V Playing Fields, Milland Road, Highcliffe, and Somers Close Recreation Ground, Stanmore, will be open and available while the North Walls site is redeveloped.
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Watch Steve and Steve discuss the project back in December 2011 here.