Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan for consultation

Comment

Representation ID: 210570

Received: 28/01/2026

Respondent: Cam Skate

Without long term security of a permanent indoor facility for skateboarding, the ability of the city to deliver excellent year-round benefit to young people is significantly compromised.
Community members consistently report:
• Outdoor parks become unusable in bad weather, restricting participation for most of the year.
• Young people disperse into less safe or unsuitable public spaces when outdoor parks are closed or wet.
• Girls, beginners, and neurodivergent skaters need quieter, supportive, weather-proof environments to build confidence.
• A permanent indoor venue is essential to host coaching, events, youth sessions, or community programmes.
These concerns closely mirror national evidence showing that skateparks can offset negative stereotypes, foster pro-social behaviour, and create safe, empowering public spaces when they are well designed and well located. A permanent year-round indoor facility in Cambridge would create continuity, safety, and inclusive access that outdoor spaces alone cannot deliver.

Comment

Representation ID: 210571

Received: 28/01/2026

Respondent: Cam Skate

At Cam Skate or community includes skaters of all ages, coaches, and volunteers ready to support structured programmes, but without a permanent indoor space, these cannot be delivered consistently. A permanent indoor venue would become a positive, stable anchor for community engagement, helping young people build identity, resilience, and supportive peer networks. This reflects findings from both national research and local case studies across the UK.

Comment

Representation ID: 210572

Received: 28/01/2026

Respondent: Cam Skate

An indoor skatepark would advance key Local Plan objectives by:
• Improving health and wellbeing Skateboarding provides accessible physical activity for diverse groups, including those underserved by traditional team sports.
• Supporting inclusive and resilient communities Evidence shows skateparks foster belonging, reduce antisocial behaviour, and encourage cross-age and cross-cultural interaction.
• Providing essential youth and social infrastructure Cambridge lacks affordable, accessible indoor recreation for young people—an indoor skatepark would fill a clear infrastructure gap.
• Enhancing social value and urban vibrancy Skate spaces contribute to inclusive place-building, urban regeneration, and community engagement.

Comment

Representation ID: 210573

Received: 28/01/2026

Respondent: Cam Skate

I strongly encourage the Greater Cambridge Local Plan to:
1. Recognise a permanent dedicated indoor skateboarding facility as a critical element of social and community infrastructure within Cambridge and highlight the value The Warehouse indoor skatepark has brought to Cambridgeshire.
2. Allocate or support land allocation for an indoor skatepark within Cambridge city, ensuring active travel accessibility.
3. Collaborate with community organisations, Skateboard GB, and youth groups to co-design a space that is inclusive, sustainable, and future-proof.
4. Integrate this project into wider strategies for youth provision, health, and community wellbeing.