Next step towards potential Historic status for iconic skate park
Over 500 people have taken part in an online survey organised by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and Skateboard Scotland as part of the process which could see West Lothian Council's Livingston Skatepark granted historic listed status.
The survey ran from 11 April to 18 May and sought information from people who know and use the skatepark or have a view on its design, history and significance. With the survey now closed, HES will now analyse the feedback from participants to help inform their final decision on whether the park meets criteria for listed status.
This is the first time HES have been asked to list a skatepark and they have received well 500 responses from people who know and/or use the skatepark or have a view on its design, history and cultural significance.
During the Easter holidays, they also visited the park to talk to people in person, while also recording the site through drone and photographic survey for the National Record of the Historic Environment. The next steps will be to look at all the information gathered and complete a report on their findings. If HES conclude that the skatepark meets the criteria for designation they will consult with West Lothian Council as the owners and local authority before making a decision.
Executive councillor for the environment & sustainability Tom Conn said: "Livingston Skatepark is a well-used and much-loved facility by the skating community in West Lothian and further afield. Thank you to everyone who engaged in the process to date. The skatepark is a wonderful facility that has served Livingston for many years and it will continue to do so whether historic status is granted or not. The park will continue to serve the local community for generations to come."
Some FACTS about parks
West Lothian Council plan to carry some concrete repairs later this year at the park and will invest over £120,000. Going forward the council has an agreed budget of £200,000 per year to invest in all Skateparks and MUGAs in West Lothian.
Over there past five years there has been investment of over £9.5million for open space/sports facility projects and planned improvements.
Parking nearby:
On a slightly different note, one of the many public car parks near the site has been temporarily closed.
We are happy to advise that the redevelopment of the former Club Earth site will not result in the permanent loss of any existing public car parking facilities. The council-owned car park located immediately to the north-east of the former Club Earth site has been temporarily leased to the new care home developer for the duration of the construction period. This is common commercial practice and will assist in preventing construction related vehicles having to use nearby residential/business areas and/or obstruct main roads around sites, such as the site in Livingston. The the car park will revert to public use when the construction is complete.
Free public car parking is readily available at the nearby Terrace Car Park (off Almondvale Boulevard) and also at two further car parks located off Howden South Road, immediately north of the skate park.
