Member Article

Warrington business unit transformed into skate park

Regeneration and property specialist Langtree has let a 45,294 sq ft unit in Penketh Business Park, Warrington - which has been turned into one of Europe’s largest indoor skate parks.

The unit, located on Old Liverpool Road in Great Sankey, has been transformed into Ramp 1, a park for BMX, scooter, skateboard and in-line skate users.

A team of skating and biking industry experts helped to design the internal layout of the park which is aimed at all levels of experience with areas for proficient skaters to beginners. A designated area for children has also been created equipped with a parental viewing space.

It is the first skate park in the UK to install an Air Bag – a 15 m sq bag to enable skaters to practice stunts and jumps safely.

A large urban-themed ‘street plaza’ has been included for those wanting to safely practice street skating which also includes benches for use in stunts.

The park, which offers equipment hire and lessons for beginners, also includes a ten pin bowling alley, an amusement arcade and 200-seat café.

Lisa Anderson, managing director at Ramp 1, said: “We saw a niche in the market, there were no skate parks where people could go with their families, learn to skate or ride a BMX.

“They were typically very excluding to those who wished to try it for the first time or take their children for fun. We decided to fill that gap, and were delighted when we secured a lease at Penketh Business Park with Langtree.

“We needed a premises which offered a large open space in which we could create the various sections of the park. The unit at Penketh not only offers that, but here we will be able to appeal to the large number of skaters and bikers in the area.

“The family-oriented nature of Ramp 1 will encourage younger people interested in taking up the hobby to join and learn somewhere safe, while more advanced skaters can enjoy the ramps which we have had expertly designed.

“Our team has been instrumental in making sure all levels of skill are catered for and we will be installing the highest quality equipment and facilitates.

Kathryn Smart, property manager at Langtree, said: “It’s so pleasing to see companies set up leisure facilitates so many can enjoy and we are delighted to have been able to help Ramp 1 find the perfect place for the new skate park.”

Langtree operates a diverse portfolio of directly owned and joint venture property totaling more than 4 million sq ft comprising office parks, industrial estates and trade parks across the north and midlands of England.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .