“Rob

I did!!!!!
It would seem that like my objection to building 700 homes at Kingsway it has disappeared!!!!!

And David, you say the Pride Park land is not available for such a development. Why not? Is it not Derby City / Derbyshire County Council owned? Im sure it could be made available”

“Ian, Simon and Christopher. If you felt that it the wrong location, why didn't you object to the planning application?

If you look at the application on the City Council website, you'll see that over 400 people supported the proposal and the number against it was...er...none.”

“Thanks for the input. It's a shame you feel it's the wrong place, as after working on this for 3 years, I can assure you it's the right place, from the areas that were viable options.

The areas mentioned in Cathederal street have been bought and have plans being worked through for what they will be used for. The area by the trainstation under the bridge is not available for that kind of development and that consideration was stopped at a very early stage.

We could continue to name places and I could tell you why there were not available / suitable but that would go on and on. Much research was done on location, and Bass Rec was the most suitable.

When we say 'changing / toilets' - they would be great but with the funding we can only do so much. Westfield is 10 minutes away for toilets as well as refreshments, and parking if needed.

All the relevant people were consulted as to which location was best, and Bass Rec cam up as the preferred location - when working on these things you probably understand there has to be a solid reason for everything, it has to be watertight or it would not progress.

Alvaston park was deemed unsuitable not only by the Council and the organisations involved but also the majority of the 300 users that were consulted consulted.

On a final note, the stipulation that Bass Rec shouldn't be built upon relies on the building being a commercial building. It's not to be used for trading, purely recreation. As a skateboarding, rollerblading and BMXing are all recreational activities and we're building a park on it, it sits well within the leisure category and is being used for what Bass Rec was designed for. It will get much more use that it currently gets, and the size of the park will not detract from the visual impact of the area being green.

I hope this helps you to understand why it will be built on Bass Rec.

Kind regards

Dave”

“I tend to agree with Ian on this one, he has identified a site that would seem to fulfill most if not all of the requirements.
I do not agree with anything that covers green space such as Bass' Rec (the Holmes), this is the accepted location for fairs, circuses and other travelling attractions as well as being one of our most important city centre green spaces.
One thing that I fear will happen when a skate park opens so close to the City Centre, is that the overspill of skaters who fail to find space to perform will inevitably spread out into the City Centre and all the usual haunts, but in larger numbers than at present.”

“Dave

Firstly whilst a little bit too old now I was previously in my younger days a quite serious skateboarder, indeed I have entered competitions with people who now skate professionally in California so I fully understand the requirements and also appreciate skateboarding and similar sports over football and the like
I believe Bass's rec is inappropriate as it is green land donated to the people of Derby on condition it is not built on
I also would have concerns about toilet and changing facilities, security etc and that it is next to possibly the busiest road system in Derby
I appreciate many that will use th facility will not have access to a car and therefore reliant on public transport and therefore a site needs to be near the centre but also (due to noise) away from residential areas.
Assuming the crime and facilities are no consideration (which judging by the chosen site they cant be) then i would suggest suitable land already exists underneath the bridge from Station Approach over the railway to pride park, indeed this is an area already frequented by skateboarders etc and is ideal, also offering some protection from the elements. it is close to the college, the station and has good cycle path link of a surface suitable for skating on both to the city centre and also to the BMX track at Alvaston
It is also reasonably out of the way and should not cause many people much trouble. There is also a variety of existing structures that could easily be utilised into any skatepark layout
Construction would be relatively eeasy as the surface is already sunstantially concrete and drainage etc is in place.

Was this considered as a location?
As an ex skateboarder who has seen excellent facilities in similar surroundings all over the world (both visted in person or on sports videos etc) it would certainally have been my first suggestion before Bass's Rec. A site here could rival places like South Bank in London or some of the top skateparks in America”

“There are two prime spots around Cathedral Road, one is currently being used as a car park next to the Derby College Joseph Wright Centre and the other is the former Kennings Garage opposite Queen's Leisure Centre. This would bring more people into the Cathedral Quarter and away from Westfield”

“I do agree, in part with Ian. This will be ideal for some but there are no other facilities on Bass Recreation Ground, whether this is refreshments or toilet facilities. Yes, this may be provided at big events but not for the casual user.

Knock down Full Street Police Station and pop it on there. Otherwise somewhere like Markeaton Park or next to the BMX track at Alvaston Park would be great.

I'm all for having something for young people to do but let's make sure that they don't feel isolated or hidden away. Let's ask the young people where they would like it?”

“Looks like the council have decreed that most of Derby will be a skate park for the foreseable - well until they acquire more salt or the spring comes, whichever arrives 1st?”

“Ian - where is the right location in your opinion, and why is it the wrong location?
Much research and planning was put in place to ensure the park was situated in the right place, so I'd be interested to know your thoughts.”

“Id welcome anything that keeps John away from anyone”