The fences surrounding Hove Beach Park were taken down this afternoon for skateboarders, bikers and walkers to explore the new site – and it is already proving a hit.
A skatepark, pump track and roller rink are the first of several phases of the park, between the King Alfred and Hove Lagoon, to open after more than a year of works.
Construction teams and the council encountered a number of hurdles throughout the park’s build, from financial constraints to bad weather – but have managed to get the £13.7 million project over the line just in time for the end of summer.
The headline attraction, a new skatepark, replaces the existing site in Hove Lagoon next to the Big Beach Cafe – which was growing dated and lacked many elements used by skateboarders.
The four-wheeled board riders can now make use of the park’s banks, kerbs, ledges, kickers, transitions, manny pads, rails and boxes designed by Maverick Skate.
These different elements have been created with feedback and testing by the city’s skateboarding community to make sure it is perfect for them.
Councillor Julie Cattell, lead member for major projects, said: “As a skater myself, I share the excitement of the skating, skateboarding and BMX communities in the opening of these superb new facilities.
“We have worked with those communities to make sure we deliver what’s most important to them in the park, and the results look great.
“In 2022 we asked residents for their views on the use of the space. More than 2,700 people gave their feedback and the top three facilities were a skatepark, pump track and roller area, so I’m delighted that these are the first to open.
“It is really exciting to see Hove Beach Park taking shape. It will bring a wide range of new and improved leisure facilities to the seafront.”
Designers considered the effect of the park’s lighting, and have installed special fixtures with motion sensors, which turn off when nobody is around.
Some landscaped areas will remain fenced off for a few months to protect the planting until it’s more established.
Other areas of Hove Beach Park – part of the Kingsway To The Sea project – will gradually open towards the end of the year in anticipation of a grand opening in spring 2025.
This includes tennis and padel courts, sand sports facilities and a new building home to sports clubs and a cafe.
Hove Beach Park was named after Brighton and Hove City Council asked the public to choose from a list of suggestions – including homages to suffragettes and merchants. It was selected after winning 23 per cent of the vote.
The existing skatepark at Hove Lagoon is now closed and the ramps will be removed from Monday, September 16.
The paved site will then be used for the children’s rides currently on the grass, so there is more green space surrounding the lagoon.
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