Wadebridge Skatepark pump track wins £100,000, but no start date yet

Riders in Wadebridge have something to look forward to. Just don’t expect to see diggers at the skatepark any time soon.

Wadebridge Town Council has confirmed that its bid for a pump track and solar lighting at Wadebridge Skatepark has been backed with £100,000 of funding, awarded in principle.

The money comes from Cornwall Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Fund, and the town council says it has received confirmation that its application was successful.

What the money is for

The funding is earmarked for the proposed enhancement of the skatepark, bringing together a pump track and solar lighting in one project.

The town council called the award a very positive step forward and welcome recognition of what the project could bring to the community. It singled out young people and anyone who enjoys wheeled sports as the groups who stand to benefit most.

Why there’s no start date yet

This is where the council is keen to temper the excitement. It says the project is still at an early stage and that “there is some way to go before any work can begin.”

The award comes with conditions attached, including:

• Planning permission for the project
• Confirmation of the final project costs

The town council is also waiting on the formal funding agreement from Cornwall Council. That document will set out the full terms, conditions and delivery requirements tied to the money.

Until all of that has been considered and the necessary approvals are in place, the council says it can’t confirm when work might start or how long delivery would take.

Managing expectations

The council says it recognises the enthusiasm around the proposal and is delighted to have reached this milestone. But it also wants the project to progress in a responsible, transparent and financially sustainable way.

“This is encouraging news for Wadebridge, but there is still considerable work ahead,” the update, shared jointly by Wadebridge Town Council and Wadebridge Town Team, said.

Residents will be kept updated as the project develops. And what the finished track will look like is still an open question, with the council stressing that the design and layout of the proposed project have not yet been confirmed.