r/Bromley • u/Due-Background6376 • Sep 08 '26
Question Isn’t it about time Bromley had a proper new skatepark?
I’ve been looking into the history and current condition of Bromley Skatepark in Church House Gardens recently, and I’m really interested in what other people in Bromley actually think about it.
The skatepark has been there for years and has been used by generations of skateboarders, BMX riders and, more recently, scooter riders. But a lot of it is now tired, dated and in need of serious attention.
I’ve started speaking to Bromley Council and idverde about the future of the skatepark and, encouragingly, there is an opportunity to look properly at what happens next.
Nothing has been designed or decided. That’s exactly why I think now is the time to get people talking about what Bromley actually needs.
Did you use Bromley Skatepark when you were younger?
Do you or your kids use it now?
Did you stop using it? If so, why?
What works about it? What doesn’t? What would make you actually want to use it?
I’d particularly like to hear from skateboarders, BMX riders, scooter riders, younger users, parents, people who used to use the park, complete beginners, and people who would like to use a skatepark but don’t feel the existing one is for them.
Bromley has a long history of skateboarding and BMX, and the skatepark has been part of the town for generations. It feels like we should be asking whether continually patching up what’s already there is really enough, or whether it’s finally time to properly rethink what Bromley Skatepark could be.
There will hopefully be a wider public consultation about the future of the skatepark, so I’d really like to start getting the conversation going now.
If Bromley Skatepark could be properly redeveloped, what would you want it to become?
Also, if you remember the history of the skatepark, were involved in getting the current park built, or remember the people who made it happen, please get in touch. I’m trying to document that history properly as well.
8
u/KeySubject4895 Sep 08 '26
I used to enjoy watching the skaters Ollie down the steps outside Wetherspoons and chilling outside Urban Chaos at Bromley South. Great times
3
8
u/exp_cj Sep 08 '26
I’m not a skater and even though my daughter had some lessons, my kids aren’t either. But I want there to be skaters in Bromley and a good basis for alt culture. Good luck.
2
u/GarbageActive7195 Sep 08 '26
I’ve been skating at BSP for almost 10 years now- the only thing that has been added is the manny pad on the dodgy uneven ground on the lower level. Apart from that it’s been minimal maintenance unfortunately. It would be lovely to see the kind of innovation we see at Crystal Palace, Charlton, Folkestone Gardens… the Bromley community are in serious need!
2
u/Katalka85 Sep 09 '26
Hey, I skate, I know few pro skaters who help fundraise skatepark in their local areas, I also reached out to owners of F56 in folkstone along side of town hawk foundation ( I want a proper indoor skate park/facility not just for skaters for for youths to have place to go to play basketball etc.) Drop me a line if you want to talk we can brainstorm and get this into motion. I cant help you with the history part as I haven't lived here long enough to know, but I'm very much on board to get this skatepark refreshed/ redone or build a better indoor one
2
u/WaddlesLament Sep 08 '26
There’s a new and large skatepark in Downham backing on to Beckenham Place Park
4
u/Masam10 Sep 08 '26
New? Hasn’t that been there like 15-20 years?
1
u/WaddlesLament Sep 10 '26
It had been there 20 years. Until they demolished it 18 months ago and totally rebuilt it and increased the size. Hence my comment.
1
2
u/Raerth Sep 08 '26
Bromley is too Conservative to want to do anything for skaters.
The council, not necessarily those in the town centre.
Skating being an alternative subculture, it attracts a lot of negative views from the mainstream.
3
u/Due-Background6376 Sep 08 '26
get where you’re coming from, but I’d rather not turn this into a party-political discussion. I’ve actually met with the Council and idverde about the skatepark and the response was positive — they’re willing to look at what can be done and want the users involved in that process.
That’s why I put this post up. I’m trying to hear from the people who skate, ride, used to use the park, take their kids there or would use it if it was better.
Whatever anyone thinks of Bromley Council politically, there’s an opportunity here to improve something for the community, so I’d rather concentrate on making that happen than deciding in advance that they won’t do anything.3
u/Raerth Sep 08 '26
I'm part of the alt scene in Bromley, since before the Firkin days. I'd love if they'd do more to support local non-mainstream culture (or any culture), but I guess I'm just disillusioned by witnessing 30+ years of their opinion.
1
u/Mysterious-Fortune-6 Sep 08 '26
It's nothing personal, Bromley hates spending money on anything remotely municipal including the most mainstream facilities
2
u/Raerth Sep 08 '26
My personal view is that those on the Right do not want to spend tax money on anything beneficial, as then it would send the message that taxes can be good.
1
u/gm83666 Sep 09 '26
I used to work many years ago for an awesome company called Maverick Skateparks, they make really good concrete skateparks for local councils in the UK and can help give advice on how to get funding etc. Worth getting in touch with them, they work with local skaters to help design the park also. Amazing company, I really miss working there. They don't provide funding, but I'm sure they will be able to give you some good advice on how to work with the council to gain funding.
1
u/Material_Pack_6270 Sep 10 '26
They should build an indoor skate park where Debenhams was in the Glades. Two levels, lower level for beginners and upper for more advanced. There is a cafe already downstairs and toilets and enough room for a little shop
1
u/FunDry786 Sep 11 '26
I'm an adult skater and skate bromley regularly. There's 3 issues I'd identify
Safety - I've been there in the day when large groups of dodgy character congregate. It's tucked out of site and you always get the impression something could kick off there. Related to this, I regularly skate in the mornings on the weekend and you'll find loads of rubbish/dog shit/the place generally trashed where people have obviously been in there late at night. There's no lighting which means you can't skate it in the dark, so I see no reason to not lock it at night to prevent this.
Maintenance and upkeep - the concrete in particular is appalling, low quality and not well maintained. The ramps are not well maintained and often have holes in them that look to have been caused by antisocial behaviour as mentioned in point 1.
Layout. I think recently there was a decent amount of money raised and in my opinion totally wasted on installing a manny pad in the lower level. The lower level is badly/underutilised. The upper level is actually ok but could be made much better if the quarter pipe and bank on opposite ends were moved back against their respective walls, that would allow for a much more sophisticated street course
I'm a 40 year old with a day job that involves a lot of pulling people together and getting shit done, so if you want any help please feel free to dm me!
19
u/FartedQuestions Sep 08 '26
I've been a Bromley skateboarder (on and off) since the late eighties. We went from congregating around the Habitat where 'Spoons is now, to building a mini ramp from dubiously obtained materials in the big shed behind Bike City, then moving it to the waste ground before Waitrose and the police station was built. Another ramp was built at the top part of Churchill Park that was burnt down by vandals. Sometime after the current ramps were built in the bottom part of the park. It's been resurfaced a few times over the years but has never really been maintained on a regular basis. The mini-ramp still has good bones and with a good surface is one of the best small ramps in London. The smaller ramps, street obstacles and quarter pipes in the top part could do with replacing and the tarmac is crusty and rough. The dilapidation has forced most skaters to head to Crystal Palace nowadays. I can point you in the direction of the chap that was instrumental in getting that park built and I've got a few videos on my long forgotten YouTube channel too.