Local residents, skaters, families and community supporters are calling on Better/GLL to halt plans that could lead to the closure of the Better Extreme Indoor Skatepark in Barking, as a public petition gathers support from across the community. The petition has over 1,500 signatures. The Barking skate park has been a vital community asset since 2018, drawing users from across the East London area.
Campaigners say the skatepark, located at Barking Sporthouse and Gym, is London’s largest indoor skatepark and provides a year-round space for skateboarding, BMX, scooter riding and inline skating. Supporters have raised concerns that GLL plans for the skate park to be replaced by padel courts, resulting in the loss of what they describe as an essential recreational venue for local young people.
Skateboard GB (SBGB) have criticised what they describe as a lack of communication and transparency surrounding the proposed closure.
Nesil Caliskan, Member of Parliament for Barking, has said:
“I’ve met with local residents who are campaigning to keep the skatepark open. I’m really concerned to hear that there is really poor communication from Better leisure centre, and I have requested a meeting with Better to be open and transparent about their plans.
It is unacceptable for them to close the skatepark without any efforts to promote the facility to the local community or consult with residents about their plans for closure.”
Supporters of the campaign argue that the skatepark plays an important role in promoting physical activity, community engagement and youth wellbeing in Barking and Dagenham. They are calling on Better to engage meaningfully with residents and users of the facility before any final decisions are made. Nesil Caliskan MP has called for a meeting with GLL to discuss next steps and the future of the stake park.
