The development of Hatfield’s proposed £190,000 concrete skate park has ground to a halt.
Construction work was meant to start in the spring, but due to “outstanding issues” with designers Freestyle Skateparks, there will be a delay.
The project is being managed by charity Groundwork Hertfordshire, and has mainly been funded by donations.
Welwyn Hatfield Council and Hatfield Town Council both stumped up £20,000 each for initial work, with borough politicians previously enthusing about the project.
Councillor Tony Kingsbury, the council’s executive member for policy and culture, said: “We have been advised by our project managers, Groundwork Hertfordshire, that there will be a delay to the start of work to construct the proposed skate park in Hatfield.
“We understand they are continuing to work with their preferred contractor, Freestyle Skateparks, to resolve some outstanding issues relating to the design of the park.
“We are disappointed by this news, and it’s no doubt a source of great frustration to those who are eager to make use of a new facility in the town, but we hope to be able to confirm a revised work programme by the end of March.”
The skate park is proposed to be built in the Link Drive car park in the town centre. Roughly 20 per cent of its capacity will be lost – 30 spaces – if it is built.
At present there are no designs Welwyn Hatfield Council will release to the public.
The project has not been without its critics, as Labour opposition group leader Kieran Thorpe claimed it would be too near the heart of Hatfield.
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