HUNDREDS of thousands of pounds will be splashed on a new skatepark in Basildon, with a location now confirmed.

Basildon Council has identified Victoria Park in Laindon as the preferred location for the skatepark, deeming it the “most feasible and accessible” option.

According to a council report, the project will have an estimated budget of £200,000, and would be partly funded by contributions from property developers.

This follows the approval of a £500,000 investment in replacing two skate parks in Lake Meadows, Billericay, and Northlands Park in Basildon last year.

The council’s leisure and environment committee met on Monday night to discuss the plan.

Councillor Kevin Wingfield said Victoria Park is currently underutilised, and that a skatepark was unlikely to cause disturbances for neighbours.

He said at the meeting: “It’s a great benefit to our local kids who will have a greater opportunity to get out, get active on their own doorstep, not having to travel across town to anywhere else for their youth services, and it will come at no cost to them.”

He also reminded councillors that skateboarding is now an Olympic sport in which Team GB scored medals at the most recent games in Tokyo, sparking an increase in popularity in Basildon.

Councillor Kerry Smith said he was glad Victoria Park had been chosen instead of Great Berry Open Space, which was also being considered.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted you’re now going for Victoria Park Laindon, it will fit perfectly.”

He also suggested it was a safer location for children because there are allotments nearby, with people available to help should a young person hurt themselves.

Manor House Recreation Ground, Pound Lane Recreation Ground and Elizabeth Way were also being considered as possible locations.

The report continues to say the budget for the park will vary depending on location and size, but is estimated to be in the region of £200,000.

There is also approximately £40,000 available from Section 106 contributions from property developers, specifically for improvements to Victoria Park.

The remainder of the budget is likely to come from capital funding, the report continues.

The plans will now go out for public consultation.