NORTHLAND Park’s new skatepark is set to open in May with construction work beginning this week.

The new skatepark, part of a £500,000 investment replacing older skateparks in Lake Meadows and Northlands Park, will feature 12 elements for skaters, BMXers, roller bladers and scooter riders to get their teeth into.

The main feature of the skatepark is a bowled halfpipe, following into an extended quarter pipe.

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The park also feature a pyramid and a grind ledge, with two new benches set to be installed either side of the site.

Conservative councillor Jeff Henry, responsible for health, wellbeing, arts and culture, said: “Standing alongside the brand-new play area and ball games area about to open at Northlands Park – this is another fantastic edition to one of our flagship parks.

“We know from how well received and popular the skatepark at Gloucester Park has been since its opened, so we know that concrete is the preferred option for residents, and it’s the preferred option for us as a council too.

There are currently five skateparks in the borough, of which three at Gloucester Park, Nevendon Road, and Markhams Chase, have undergone full refurbishments in recent years to replace the previous structures with new concrete ones.

Concrete structures require less maintenance due to their robustness and provide a better user experience. Concrete is the preferred material for any future skateparks in the borough.

Construction is expected to last around eight weeks – with it being open by the end of May.

The council is also planning a new £200,000 skatepark in Victoria Park, Laindon.