A CHUNK of Rooksdown is set to be transformed in to a central hub for young people to make their own.

After years of campaigning for funding and amendments to get planning consent, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has granted permission to build a Skatepark in Rooksdown.

As well as featuring an array of ramps, steps and pipes, the park to be built in Rooksdown Park, off Park Prewett Road, there will be a state-of-the-art youth shelter that uses solar power to provide a DAB radio, speakers and a Bluetooth system to allow users to play music.

The original idea for a skatepark in the area was put forward by Rooksdown parish councillor Jonathan Payne who said he is delighted with the outcome.

Cllr Payne said: “Over the years, a lot of councils would install framed parks, which were OK but would not last.

“This new concrete park will be more durable and can act as a mini training ground for those children who want to practice their skills skateboarding, scooting or BMXing.”

Cllr Payne added: “I really think once we start to see the park develop it will bring the young people in the community together.

“It is like we are taking a chunk of the community and saying, ‘this is yours make it what you want.’”

This idea of creating a community for younger people is supported by Rooksdown ward councillor Simon Bound who said it will help with the prevention of anti-social behaviour in the area.

Cllr Bound said: “We want to continue with the engagement of the young people in Rooksdown, so if they want to improve the skatepark we can look at options such as street art and things like that.”

Now that planning consent has been granted, contractors Bendcrete Leisure Ltd just need to set a date when construction on the skatepark can start.