Skatepark 'flattened' without notice
SKATEBOARDERS and BMX riders say they feel "cheated" after an area they have used for more than 30 years was flattened without warning.
BMX fanatic Tom O'Boyle said about 100 people on skateboards and BMX bikes used the raised concrete humps at the back entrance of the Broadmarsh every week.
But the young people who turned up to the site on Monday found contractors flattening it.
Broadmarsh owners Westfield say they want to make the area more suitable for shoppers and fit in with the Nottingham Contemporary art gallery.
But the skaters and BMXers say it is still the best place in the city to enjoy the pastime due to its lighting and distinctive humps.
They will stage a protest against the demolition at 1pm tomorrow.
"It's come as a massive shock to anyone involved with skateboarding or bike riding," said Tom, who has ridden on skate parks across the world.
"I feel very cheated to be honest. We have always been willing to accept it if the Broadmarsh did expand or the trams, but for it just to be taken away out of the blue is such a shock.
"If you go down there at weekends or week nights it's full of kids riding bikes or skateboards. It's made a positive impact on the area.
"It's the only place in the city where you can go at night and ride and know it's OK. There are small parks out of town, but nothing really floodlit, nothing with any cover."
Tom said people from across the country have come to use the area and he has been riding there for more than ten years.
"You could always go there at any time, it was an accepted area. It just happened to be almost as good as a skate park. There's going to be people with nowhere to go now.
"What they should have done is consult with people that use it, talk about how to improve it and tidy up the area.
"The best thing we can ask for is a big skate park in Nottingham city. This is what we are going to try and fight for."
Alan Cairns, 28, of Sneinton, rides a BMX and has been using the area for about 11 years. He said: "I usually go down there between 6pm and 10pm and at weekends there can be 30 to 40 kids there.
"I'm completely gutted. There isn't anywhere else for us to go. If I want to go to a proper park I would have to go to Corby, Birmingham or Leeds.
"It's a shame a city of this size does not have these facilities. This needs to be addressed or the ones we have need to be improved."
A Westfield spokesman said: "The works are part of a wider scheme to improve the look and feel of this area. We have listened to the views of our shoppers and local residents who have expressed their desire for a refurbishment of this important route to make it more attractive and in keeping with the new arts centre."
The works are also designed to improve links between the bus station and Canal Street, Cliff Road and the soon to re-open Garners Hill.
"This is part of our ongoing commitment to the local area and we hope everyone who uses this part of town will be pleased with the results," the spokesman added.
claire.carter@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk
34 Comments
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by Neil, Gamston
Monday, November 30 2009, 1:31PM
“I often face the unenviable task of having to walk past the 'dump' that exists between the tram bridge and access to Broadmarsh bus station (or p**s alley as I refer to it!) and the only thing that makes the journey more pleasant is seeing kids utilising these humps instead of hanging round elsewhere with nothing to do.
I find it staggering the council/Westfield haven't had enough pride to smarten this area up (including the area under the tram bridge which is just a dumping ground!) and that we have this wonderful new 'Arts' ctr for all the people; yet an area that is perhaps used by more and in itself could be described/preserved as a piece of Nottingham culture/heritage is just demolished!
OK, lets see what happens with this area over the coming months ... and if something will be done to replace these most used humps; or are the people who enjoyed them now resigned to using the streets instead!
Its typical that something so useless as two humps, amongst a wilderness of abandonment, could prove so popular over the years; and then the council rip it down!
Can I suggest all past users now make their way to the Market Square or the new Arts ctr and continue their BMX/skateboarding until a replacement is provided!”
by Mark, Notingham
Sunday, November 29 2009, 12:12PM
“this area is not suitable for anything at all, and Westfield know that, so don't even go there your wasting your time!”
by Tom, notts
Sunday, November 29 2009, 12:08PM
“Westfield have said that their is a small area bottom of maid marian way /collin street that can be used for Bmx and Skateborading.
its across from the Ocean Night club underneath the car park bridge..”
by mark, Nottingham
Sunday, November 29 2009, 11:20AM
“an email address posted below, if anyone what's to help in a petition to Nottingham city council for a new place to ride.
or has any ideas of the best way to contact the council”
by nottsrobinhood@hotmail.com, Nottingham
Sunday, November 29 2009, 11:06AM
“Is that all you do all night Billy is just read postings and pick at them like spelling mistakes.
you really are the Nottingham.co.uk comments "Troll"
I thought you may have been at the Nottingham Saturday's Bmx/Skate protest, voicing your opinions about them over 18 teens bmx riders.
i guess you were to busy looking out for spelling mistakes on forums and things you can pick at that people post up!
let me know if i made anymore mistakes Billy, it's great to have my very own spell checker..
Big thanks to everyone that did turn up to voice their opinions about the "Humps" on Saturday young and old, Mums and Dads, and to the
Notts Police and Westfield security staff for letting it go head..”
by billy, Living in this Labour generated hell hole.
Saturday, November 28 2009, 10:32PM
“Travelled the world eh? into BMX's and skateboarding at 30?
These Countries you travel too include Thailand?
One word....Register.
Ok 4.
News of The World....”
by Andrew Symington, Newton Abbot, Devon
Saturday, November 28 2009, 3:32PM
“In my teens (over twenty years ago) I used to travel from Ilkeston to skate slab square and "Broady Banks". My job now takes me all over the world and I have even been asked whilst skating in Brazil if I ever skated at the banks. I made lots of friends from all over the UK whom I met skating at Broadmarsh as we all travelled with the same purpose.
It is sad to see such an amazing spot for skateboarding and bmx disappear. Whilst more facilities have appeared in Nottingham for skateboarding and bmx; there is a lack of understanding from the general public why we would want to ride the banks instead of a purpose built facility. Luckily I managed to grab some time to 5-0 the ledge last year during a visit to my parents.
At 34 skateboarding instilled a deep understanding that commitment and hard work generates ability. This has enabled me to have an amazing career and life, and Braodmarsh Banks will always be part of that foundation.
RIP worlds greatest street skating venue.”
by Jackie Kent, Nottingham
Saturday, November 28 2009, 1:19PM
“Westfields have really let the Broadmarsh Centre become run down. Many years ago there were plans to develop this arcade into a modern shopping centre with a new bus station but Westfields are presumably trying to run the area down so that it can be developed into flats or something.”
by billy, Living in this Labour generated hell hole.
Saturday, November 28 2009, 12:22PM
“What is a Farther? I presume you mean Father - if you spent less time playing with kid¿s toys you might know how to spell.”
by Mark, nottingham
Saturday, November 28 2009, 10:41AM
“under eighteens have mountain bikes but over eighteens still ride them, and it's the same with skateboards plus motocross bikes
and any sport, even football the good old farther and son Sunday football game down the park..
People that think things the same as billy should be the ones to be arrested and put on the register..with minds that that..”