Lewes Skatehouse set to relocate to purpose-built centre in Newhaven

Lewes Skatehouse is set to relocate to a purpose-built facility in Newhaven as Lewes District Council reveals plans for a £530,000 redevelopment project.
Around 3,000 people took part in a protest march calling on Santon to help rehome the Lewes Skatehouse. SUS-160507-134617001Around 3,000 people took part in a protest march calling on Santon to help rehome the Lewes Skatehouse. SUS-160507-134617001
Around 3,000 people took part in a protest march calling on Santon to help rehome the Lewes Skatehouse. SUS-160507-134617001

The council says a new indoor centre will be built on unused land at Denton Island in Newhaven as a new home for the community group, which will be displaced by the North Street Quarter development.

The move comes after around 3,000 people took part in a protest march earlier this year calling on the North Street developers Santon to help rehome the skate park.

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Councillor Bill Giles, lead member for finance at Lewes District Council, said: “The council has been looking at a number of asset management opportunities.

“By investing in land that we own and developing sought-after facilities on it, we are able to increase our rental income and also provide a new facility for Lewes Skatehouse.

“Thanks to a truly creative approach by everyone involved, we will be able to offer for rent to Skatehouse, a purpose-built facility that is close to transport links and situated on Denton Island, close to Sussex Downs Community College. This will increase the options for participation from younger people.”

The council, which are working with Santon on the North Street Quarter development, say they have set aside funds for the Denton Island project.

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They are working to submit a planning application in the autumn of 2016 and building works scheduled for completion sometime in 2017.

A council spokesman confirmed that the funding is not coming from Santon’s section 106 agreement, which included a £50,000 relocation fund for businesses displaced by the North Street Quarter work.

Skatehouse director Claire Heath said: “On behalf of the Skatehouse, we would like to say a huge thank you to Santon who offered us our premises on the Phoenix Estate to create an indoor supervised space for all wheeled sports, which has flourished in the last four years, offering an invaluable service to the local and wider community.

“We are overjoyed that Lewes District Council have recognised our potential and are investing in our enterprise.”

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