A LONG fought-for indoor skate facility could be housed at a town centre bus station site as part of an ambitious scheme, if it goes ahead.

Bridport Town Council has been working on plans for the town’s bus station site, behind Tannery Road, based on what it feels Bridport residents would like to see.

West Dorset District Council owned the land and had been looking at ways to redevelop it when Bridport Town Council expressed its desire to be involved in the early stages of any proposals so it could put forward ideas it felt the town’s residents would want.

It’s now been transferred to the new Dorset Council and the town council remains hopeful its ideas, once finalised, will be supported by the new authority.

The plans were presented at a meeting of the full council on Tuesday.

They include a new home for indoor skate park the Trick Factory, much to the excitement of young people, and their families, who have been campaigning for a new base for three years following the closure of the indoor facility at St Michael’s Trading Estate.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

REDEVELOPMENT: Bus station site off Tannery Road

It closed in 2016 following 17 years of voluntary service to young people and BYPAT (Bridport Young Persons Acton Trust), along with young people, parents and supporters, have been battling for a new premises ever since.

Speaking at the meeting, parent Debbie King said: “It’s been three years now, waiting for premises. This is the ideal spot. They do need somewhere soon.”

Mrs King said the facility would attract all ages and abilities, as well as bring money to the town.

“They need somewhere sooner rather than later,” she said. “Fingers crossed.”

Her son Charlie told the meeting he has to travel to other sites in the country to skate.

“We really hope to get this,” he said.

Skater Dan Chamney told the meeting Bridport was once ‘renowned’ for its skate park and the Trick Factory had become part of the town’s heritage.

“It was a huge part of the community and was nationally renowned,” he said. “This would allow us to express our passion – it’s what we do. We’ve been waiting for ages for something like this to happen.”

Also included in the plans are a transport hub, appropriate car parking provision, a café and public conveniences.

Stuart Broom, of Jurassic Fields Music Festival, also addressed councillors to express interest in being part of the development.

The long-term objectives of the festival have young musicians in mind, and organisers would like to open a recording studio. Mr Broom suggested the bus station site could be ideal.

Cllr Anne Rickard praised town surveyor Daryl Chambers for his work on the plans so far, saying: "An awful lot of work has gone into this. I wish it luck and hope things go well - it's deserved."

Cllr Martin Ray, also a BYPAT trustee, said he 'supports it all the way.'

"It's something for the kids," he said. "I can't see fault with it - it's not much use as it is now."

The town council’s plans are out for consultation and are open to ideas and comments from the public.

It also intends to speak to as many local groups and organisations as possible.

To submit ideas and comments, email Mr Chambers at DChambers@bridport-tc.gov.uk