PLANS to create a new activity facility as part of the skatepark revamp, are gathering pace.

Project manager Andrew Houston from Herefordshire Council explained that plans for the skatepark complex would feature lots of activities to benefit the town’s young people, that will go out to public consultation at the end of June.

Mr Houston said: “We have to start with some ideas. A skatepark is an essential part of the scheme, but our focus is not to just focus on boys but include activities that girls would be interested in as well.

“We need to cater for different demographics, different age groups. The initial spatial design will include examples of what could be included to provide a concept for the project which is about play and activity.

“We have a professional design team and skatepark designers on board.”

Mr Houston said that he was aware that the site was an old landfill site, which could present problems and added: “But the biggest problem is that this area is prone to flooding, so whatever we create will have to be resilient to this.”

Mr Houston added: “The goal at the moment is to submit a planning application, hopefully in September, having created a formalised plan gathered from the consultation process that everyone in the community can be proud off and get excited about.”

Mr Houston admitted that despite having a healthy budget, provided by local housing developers and emphasised that the project will require additional contributions.

“We will be asking the national grant funders and persuading them that they want to invest in our project,” he said.

“There are opportunities for grants out there and funders are often persuaded by projects that have already made a large financial investment.

“Let’s make this a landmark project, something that everybody can be proud off and have a real impact for years to come.”