Former pro skater designs Heanor's first wheeled sports facility
Work on a wheeled sports facility designed by ex-pro skateboarder Marc Churchill has begun in Heanor.
Construction on the £200,000 community project is due to start on Monday, October 14, 2024. The project has been funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) allocation of Government funding.
Until now, Heanor was the only town in Amber Valley that did not have an outdoor wheeled sports facility – something that has long been an aspiration for young people in the town.
The new facility is being created in Lockton Avenue by appointed contractor Gravity Engineering, a firm that has created over 300 skateparks around the UK.
Former professional skater Marc Churchill, design director at Gravity Engineering, created the design.
It will provide the first wheeled sports facility in the town, and the first concrete wheeled sports facility in Amber Valley.
Councillor John McCabe, Cabinet Member for Communities and Street Pride Portfolio, said: “We are excited to be able to bring to fruition this long-awaited facility. We anticipate it will bring people together and help establish better community cohesion and youth engagement.
“The benefits of such a resource are shown to have great health benefits all round.”
Research shows that wheeled sports facilities help to reduce anti-social behaviour. When built in places where there are existing problems, such as criminal activity, or vandalism, the skaters often serve to displace those people.
The new, inclusive facility will cater for users of all ages and abilities, from novice through to the more experienced rider. It will enable more local residents, in particular children, young people and families, to engage in being active and moving more, which can have a positive impact on their physical health and mental wellbeing.
Cllr McCabe said: “The £2.9million of UKSPF funding allocated to Amber Valley Borough Council has provided a fantastic opportunity to help address and deliver the needs of our local communities.
“A wheeled sports facility in Heanor has been talked about for a number of years so it’s great that we’ll soon see this finally come to fruition.”
He added: “As this is the first concrete wheeled sports facility in the borough, we anticipate it will create a hub for a wide range of users who will be excited to use the new facility.”
More News From Amber Valley Info
| Appeal for information launched after man is assaulted with hammer in Heanor Police are appealing for information after a man was assaulted with a hammer in Heanor. read more | |
| Appointment of new Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive for Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service Councillor Mark Cliff, the Chair of Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Authority, has confirmed that read more | |
| The dazzling Darley Park Concert returns this summer The Darley Park Concert will return in 2026, marking the grand finale of The Darley Park Weekender. This summer tradition invite read more | |
| DLRAA Receives Donation From Ripley Tuesday Club 2026 On Tuesday 20th January 2026 Ripley Tuesday Club donated £292.72 for the Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulan read more | |
| Holocaust Memorial Avenue extended with new tree planting at Alfreton Park The Holocaust Memorial Avenue at Alfreton Welfare Recreation Ground has been extended with new tree planti read more | |
The Amber Valley Info Noticeboard
| Stallholder Bookings Now Open For The Tansley Big Day Out We're excited to announce that Tansley's Big Day Out 2026 will take place on 6th & 7th June 2026! read more | |
| Christmas and New Year bin collection dates Over the festive season, bin collections will operate on revised schedules. Some collections may take place up to two days earlier than u read more | |
| Launch Of WOMBLE MANIA! At the Heights of Abraham, Opened by Marcus Robertson, Son of Wombles author, Elisabeth Beresford, officially launched WOMBLE MANIA! at the Heights of Abraha read more | |
| Belper School and Sixth Form Centre Closed Today Due to a significant water leak, resulting in the water being turned off at school, we unfortunately have to close the school today. read more | |
| When you need to call 999 but can't talk When you need to call 999 but can't talk - the ‘silent solution’ can help. Press 55 on your mobile when prompted, to confirm you are in read more | |
