Council to host consultation for new Strabane Skate Park

DERRY City and Strabane District Council is inviting the public to a consultation event to review the proposed designs for a new skate park at the Melvin Sports Complex.

The consultation will take place on Tuesday, October 28 at Melvin Sports Centre.

The consultation is a key step in developing the new facility, which will be located on land adjacent to the sports complex.

Liam Cannon from Strabane Urban Sports, said the consultation is a significant stage in the development of the facility.

“Here at Strabane Urban Sports, we’re delighted to have reached this exciting stage in bringing a free-to-use urban sports park to our community," he said.

"Now four years into our campaign, we’ve been working closely with the council to create a facility that’s truly unique to Strabane.

“We’ll be present all day at the upcoming public consultation, alongside Skateboard NI, whose generous support has helped us reach this milestone.

"We look forward to meeting you there and are happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.”

Members of council’s Environment and Regeneration Committee received a report on progress to date last Wednesday.

The project, which has been in development since July 2024, is part of a larger plan to create a new urban park and play area in the Ballycolman area.

The council has partnered with specialist designer Jeremy Donaldson of Curve Studios, who has worked closely with the Strabane Skate Park Committee to co-design the facility.

These new designs will be available for public viewing and feedback at the event.

Council officers from the Green Infrastructure team will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the proposals.

High-quality display boards will showcase the designs, providing a clear vision of the planned facility.

The council's decision to move forward with detailed designs follows a previous public consultation in August 2024, which saw over 100 people attend and overwhelmingly support the project.

This new consultation aims to gather broader public feedback before the council finalises the plans and moves toward the planning application stage.

The public's feedback is crucial to the success of this project and council is encouraging all residents, community groups and stakeholders to attend the event on October 28.

Chair of council’s Environment and Regeneration Committee, councillor Declan Norris, encouraged everyone with an interest in the project to come along and have their say.

He said: "The council team has been working hard with the local skateboard fraternity to get the designs to this stage, and we really want to hear what the wider community thinks.

"This project is a fantastic example of the council's commitment to delivering high-quality recreational facilities that our residents want and will use.

"Your input is vital in helping us create the best possible facility for everyone."

The public consultation for the Strabane Skate Park designs will take place from 10.30am to 9pm.