Norwich: Indoor skatepark opens in King Street church

During the winter months, it can be difficult for lovers of the sport to find a spot to practice. 

But now Community East, a not-for-profit social enterprise, has completed the build of its new indoor skatepark at St Peter Parmentergate Church in King Street.

Sam Avery is one of the directors of Community East and the owner of the Drug Store skateboard shop (Image: Denise Bradley)

It officially opened on Tuesday, December 20, and directors Sam Avery and Ashley Lever said the feedback so far has been "brilliant". 

Mr Avery said: "It's not completely finished yet, there are still a few things to do, but we really wanted to get it open so people can get out of this bad weather and skateboard over the Christmas period.

The indoor skatepark at St Peter Parmentergate Church has opened (Image: Denise Bradley/Newsquest)

"Hopefully it means people aren’t continuously spending their winters trying to find an indoor car park, just to get kicked out.

"This has been two years in the making. So it's quite a relief to get it done.

"I’ve put every last drop of energy, time and money I had into this.

"It has been a lot of hard work and a massive learning curve."

The indoor skatepark at St Peter Parmentergate Church has opened. Pictured is Tom Newman (Image: Denise Bradley/Newsquest)

In the new year, Community East hopes to host an official opening event and coaching sessions will resume at Delta Four and the new church space.

Skateboarders can also book individual slots for just £5 for two hours at St Peter Parmentergate.

The maximum capacity is 15 people at a time and - for the time being - it is for skateboarders only.

The church is also home to the Drug Store skateboarding shop which is also owned by Mr Avery. 

He added: "As far as the space goes, I love it.

The Drug Store skateboard shop is also located within the church (Image: Denise Bradley/Newsquest)

"Initially, I was really unsure whether the shop space would work well in here.

"But actually, I think it’s better than any of the spaces we had before – even more than our former Pottergate shop.

"We have been ticking along as best as anyone is at the moment."

Sam Avery is one of the directors of Community East and the owner of the Drug Store skateboard shop (Image: Denise Bradley/Newsquest)

Mr Avery will also introduce a tuck shop offering hot drinks and snacks for visitors next year. 

Looking to the future, he hopes to submit a planning application to convert the far end of the church into a fully-functioning café with a seating area, where visitors can observe the skateboarders.