Skateboard GB (working with Goldsmiths, University of London, and Betongpark) have released findings from their national audit of skateable spaces.
Headlines:
- The study identified 1,923 skateable spaces (including outdoor and indoor skateparks, DIY sites, and significant street‑skating locations).
- There is significant variation in provision across the UK.
- The Southwest, East of England and Scotland have relatively high provisions when considering the populations in those regions. London is home to around 8% of skate facilities, but also around 13% of the UK population (ONS 2024).
- A ‘high quality’ skatepark requires varied obstacles, flat ground, and good flow through the skatepark.
- Experienced skaters also require more advanced features (none of the assessed sites met international competition standards).
- Concrete skateparks that are thoughtfully located are the ones rated most highly by users.
- Findings also showed that Local Authorities who involve users early in the design and planning process produce higher‑quality, better‑used facilities.