£200k indoor skatepark nearing completion
The finishing touches are being put to a new £200,000 indoor skatepark in Stourbridge.
Unit3Sixty will officially open on November 29 in Mill Race Lane when work to transform a former industrial unit is completed.
BMX riding, skateboarding and scooter riding will be among the activities based at the centre.
A 'skateboard jam' took place on Saturday giving some skaters their first chance to try out the new park. They also had the chance to watch professional skate teams in action.
Boss Gavin Pardoe said: "The building of the indoor skatepark is being carried out by 9C Ramps, famous for the Nike Tunnel Jam and the Nike Pool Party, and no expense has been spared to ensure Unit3sixty becomes 'the' best indoor skatepark in the UK."
Other activities planned to run within the facility include graffiti art studios, an urban dance centre and DJ classes.
Ten part-time and volunteer roles have also been created as part of the work.
Ideas for the park came following calls for new facilities after the closure of the popular Ramparts skate park in the town.
Young skateboard and BMX riders in the Dudley borough have also praised the plans.
They include Jack Foley, from Lower Gornal, who is a well-known rider in the borough BMX circles.
Last year he took part in competition BMX Worlds where he came 31st in the world for BMX Pro riding.
The scheme has been made possible thanks to funding from a number of organisations.
They include £10,000 from council-run community forums and a £75,000 loan from Charity Bank.
Tesco, Waitrose and the Ryemarket in Stourbridge and Black Country businessman Geoff Hill have also supported the scheme which has won the backing of the town's MP Margot James and Dudley Councils deputy leader - councillor Pete Lowe.
Ms James said: "The skate park facility will be a fantastic addition to the local community here in Stourbridge, and I know will be welcomed by young people in the area."
