**Fresh Skateboarding Vision Unveiled for Swansea’s Victoria Park**
A bold new future for skateboarding and wheel sports in Swansea has been revealed, as artist’s impressions showcase a striking street plaza-style facility set to replace the current skate ramp in Victoria Park. Swansea Council is progressing with plans to transform the area as part of a wider investment, aiming to position the city as a leader in outdoor recreation.
The proposed redevelopment, visualised by experts at Curve Studio, is the result of extensive collaboration between the council, wheel sports enthusiasts, and local residents. The design aims to provide modern, inclusive amenities catering for skateboarders, BMX riders, and other wheeled sports fans of all ages.
With a council-backed £2.8 million allocated to wheel sports across the city, construction at Victoria Park is scheduled to commence this August. The project, according to local officials, is on track for completion before the end of the year. Importantly, the improvement works will be confined to the skate ramp area, ensuring that all other sections of the park remain accessible to the public throughout the process.
Councillor Robert Francis-Davies, cabinet member for investment, regeneration, and tourism, highlighted the city’s ambition: “We are determined to transform Swansea into one of the UK’s top destinations for outdoor sports,” he said. “This investment in wheel sports infrastructure reflects our commitment to nurturing the aspirations of all residents—and possibly even the Olympic dreams of local young people.”
Recent developments across Swansea signal that this commitment is already in motion. Refurbished skate parks are now open at Coed Bach Park in Pontarddulais and Parc Melin Mynach in Gorseinon, providing improved local facilities that reduce the need for residents to travel far for quality wheel sports spaces.
Other initiatives in the pipeline include skate park enhancements at Mynydd Newydd in Penlan and the Phoenix Centre in Townhill. Further, Melin Mynach will soon feature a dedicated pump track designed for novice and junior BMX riders, and the popular pump track at Clyne Valley is slated for much-needed refurbishment.
Looking ahead, Swansea Council is engaging with communities regarding the design and delivery of additional projects. Consultations are ongoing for an upgraded skate park in Ynystawe, a new small-scale cycling facility for Blaenymaes, a BMX-centric venue in Gowerton, and a pump track at Bishopston, signalling a comprehensive city-wide approach to wheel sports.
Notably, the funding for these initiatives comes from a diverse mix of sources, including local ward members, the community investment fund, community and town councils, and Welsh Government support, specifically through the Active Travel grant.
This significant investment underscores Swansea Council’s focus on health, inclusivity, and modern outdoor leisure. By fostering environments for physical activity and creative expression, city leaders believe Swansea can set an example for other urban centres across the UK.
Details about additional sites set to benefit from the ongoing wheel sports programme will be shared as plans are finalised, with the council inviting further community engagement to shape the future of sports in the city. The transformation of Victoria Park is expected to serve as a flagship project for the wider regeneration effort, inspiring similar improvements in years to come.