Work has started on the construction of Crystal Palace Skatepark and the designs are now live, showing a clover bowl, L-shaped bowl and street course in descending order of depth/gnarliness which will be built by Canvas. Check the photos and press release below and keep an eye out for opening jam details when we have them!

“The design for the hotly anticipated skatepark at Crystal Palace Park in South East London has been revealed and includes an advanced tile-and-coping cloverleaf pool – the first in London for 40 years. Construction has now begun on site with the skatepark due to open this winter.

The new 1,100 m² (11840 ft²⁾ skatepark at Crystal Palace Park sees skateboarding return to one of its historic homes, where the first major UK national skateboarding competition took place in 1977, and is located right next to the site of the worldfamous skateboarding half-pipe of the 1980s. The unique design of the new skatepark is the product of an intensive collaboration between skatepark firm Canvas, Kinnear Landscape Architects and local riders, blending a highly contemporary approach with references to the historic context of Crystal Palace Park.

The skatepark, funded by the Mayor of London, consists of an extended 100 metre (330 feet) long and 11metre (35 feet) wide curved concrete band, filled with a wide range of rideable terrains. At one end sits an advanced cloverleaf pool, complete with swimming pool-style stone coping and tiling. In the middle is an L-shaped steelcoping bowl, particularly suited to skilled transition riders, and offering a multitude of hips and curves. And at the other end of the skatepark is a large mellow section, aimed at those of all abilities and riding styles, and for those just seeking to explore different lines and speeds. BMX, quad-skating, rollerblading, scootering and skateboarding have all been considered in this design, and riders of all ages and abilities will be very welcome.

Surrounding the skatepark – which sits in a distinctive raised tray-like platform – are a series of new grass mounds, allowing for multiple viewing and relaxation points. The wider setting of Crystal Palace Park offers a variety of other leisure, play, café and transport facilities.

A new community group – the Friends of Crystal Palace Skatepark – has recently been formed, and will act as the community hub for the skatepark facility. An opening jam, demonstrations, lessons and other activities are all being planned.

The skatepark is one of a series of improvements to Crystal Palace Park, which is part of a wider scheme largely funded by the Mayor of London, with additional funding from Historic England and London Borough of Bromley. The £2.4million Improvement Scheme has provided community project grants, improved access points, ensured the restoration of a number of the Crystal Palace Dinosaurs and the ‘at risk’ Crystal Palace Sphinxes and South Terrace steps, and a new café is due to begin construction later this autumn.

Councillor Morgan, Executive Councillor for Renewal and Recreation said, “We are delighted that the skatepark is now taking shape in Crystal Palace Park. Bromley Council is continuing to deliver the Improvement Scheme and ensuring the park serves the needs of a wide range of users. As the Regeneration Plan, agreed this summer, is taken forward, we are optimistic about the future of the park and will continue to improve facilities for the community within one of London’s great open spaces.”

Iain Borden, Friends of Crystal Palace Skatepark said, “There has been huge support for a skatepark in Crystal Palace for many years and it is exciting to now see it under construction. We would like to invite riders and skaters of all abilities to join our group so we can all make the most of this new facility.”

Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and Skills, Jules Pipe, said, “It’s great to see work begin on the new skatepark in Crystal Palace Park. These plans have widespread local support and I’m sure this will become an important and well-used local asset. We’re proud to have contributed £2 million in funding to projects in Crystal Palace Park and to have helped made the skatepark a reality for skaters across Bromley and beyond.”