Wells' crumbling skatepark could soon be a thing of the past — if ambitious new plans to overhaul the site are approved.

The 20-year-old facility off Lovers' Walk, behind Waitrose, has been branded "ageing and out of date", with many of the wooden ramps already removed after falling into disrepair. Now, a planning application has been submitted that would see the entire park ripped out and replaced with a modern concrete design shaped by the people who actually use it.

The new layout, drawn up by Salmon Planning Company on behalf of Wells City Council and the Wells Skatepark Community Group, promises to deliver a free, inclusive space that's not only safe and accessible but also durable — with a hard-wearing surface that doesn't rot, warp, or fall apart in the rain.

"It's not just a skatepark," the application says, "it's a space for physical and mental wellbeing, creative expression, and community pride."

Built by the community, for the community

The plans come after five years of grassroots campaigning. The Wells Skatepark Community Group — made up of local residents, skaters, and youth advocates — held multiple public consultations, including a packed design presentation at Wells Town Hall and a follow-up survey with 84 responses, most of them from young people.

According to the group, more than half of those who responded said they "loved" the plans, with nearly three quarters saying they'd use the park weekly or daily.

The proposed concrete design includes a bowl and terrain suited to skaters, BMX riders, scooter users and even roller skaters — many of whom are currently locked out of the existing site due to its rough tarmac and dangerously sloped surface.

The new layout also improves natural surveillance by lowering the hedgerows, adds new seating and bins, and includes level access throughout, with safety measures in place during construction to avoid disruption to nearby schools.

Vehicular access will be through the Waitrose car park during the build, thanks to support from the supermarket — just one of several local groups backing the project. Others include The Blue School, local youth workers, the police, and MP Tessa Munt, who has publicly supported the plans.

A boost for Wells — and beyond

The application states the new skatepark will act as a "major attraction" for Wells, particularly for younger families, and could bring a "significant boost" to the local economy by drawing in visitors from surrounding towns like Glastonbury and Shepton Mallet.

The site itself would remain around 0.15 hectares, and the redesign promises low maintenance costs for the council and a long lifespan — a far cry from the current setup, where rotten ramps are regularly removed for safety reasons.

Supporters say it's not just about sport — it's about giving young people somewhere to belong.

"This project meets a real gap in the city," the application adds. "Wells has long focused on provision for older residents, but with new housing developments and a growing younger population, the need for youth-friendly, outdoor public space has never been greater."

If approved, the new skatepark would be built on the same site, with construction timed to avoid school drop-offs and collection periods.

To view or comment on the plans, search application number 2025/0825/FUL on the Somerset Council planning portal.