Redeveloped skate park to open at Clarence Park this autumn

Work to construct the new and eagerly anticipated £180,000 wheeled sports park at Clarence Park will get under way from 14 August for around 11 weeks.

The new skate park is the latest project in a £380k investment programme to bolster the park and secure its ongoing success.

The skate park was planned to be ready for use during the summer, but the original supplier went into liquidation causing a delay to the project and meaning the contract had to be re-tendered.

Councillor Alan Quinn, cabinet member for the environment, climate change and operations, said: “We’re really pleased to be working with local people and alongside the Friends of Clarence Park and community interest company Proffitts to bring this pivotal project to fruition.

“It’s disappointing that it was delayed, but we’re thrilled that the new contractor CANVAS has confirmed that work will get under way by mid-August. We’re also excited to see this new wheeled sports space project start up again, and we’d like to thank everyone for their patience as we worked to find a new contractor.’’

John Flood, design director who will be managing the project on behalf of CANVAS, said: ’We’ve already had several meetings with the local user groups in Bury who’ll be using the space at Clarence Park, and their enthusiasm for the project is fantastic. We’re really looking forward to getting our team on site and bringing their ideas to life.”

Cllr Quinn added: “Clarence Park is an important facility for the people of Bury and I’d like to reassure everyone that the wider masterplan improvements for the park will continue to be moved forward over the next few years. Clarence Park is already a quality facility for the community it serves but we are looking forward to making it even better for everyone to enjoy.”

Clarence Park is one of 12 parks across the borough of Bury to have achieved the coveted Green Flag award, with Clarence Park having held the award for 18 years running.

The Green Flag Award® scheme recognises and rewards well managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

ENDS

Press release issued: 12 July 2023.