PLANS to transform a Methodist chapel into an indoor skate park and cultural centre have been given the green light following an outpouring of public support.
The now-approved planning application involves installing removable wooden ramps inside the long-disused St Ouen’s Methodist Church, which can be taken out without altering the building’s original structure.
The 19th-century chapel, which has been used for storage since 1974, will also serve as a community space for creative workshops and activities such as videography, art and photography.
The venue, on Route de Trodez, will be managed by the charity Skate Space, with work set to be completed within three years.
The Skate Space team previously explained that they wanted to reclaim a building which had sat empty for years to bring community, physical and mental-health benefits while meeting the interests of young people and creating an inclusive space.
The government also supported the project with a £5,000 grant for planning and architectural designs.
Natalie Mayer, a founding member of Skate Space, explained: “We wish to emphasise that we’re super happy to gain permission, that the process took over 18 months (including seven months waiting for planning) and was very costly for a small charity.
“But we’re delighted to have finally ticked that box.
“It’s been a slow process, but the past year of bureaucratic box-ticking has also marked significant growth for our project. We have established new connections, identified additional user groups, and equipped more individuals with the skills needed to effectively manage the space responsibly.”
She added: “Sadly, the system we have hinders well-intentioned initiatives, and consequently enables those with vast resources and less altruistic motives to gain power and take space.
“I hope Jersey can work towards relaxing regulations to better support non-profit projects moving forward. This is vital, if our future community is going to thrive and look after its own needs.
“We still have more red tape to cross and are very grateful for offers of support and sponsorship from the community to help us reach our goal of a new place to hang out for young people.”
A total of 167 Islanders responded to the planning application, many of them skateboarders and those living in the area who were supportive of the application.
Mark Richardson, who said he had been skating for 35 years, said that the skate park at Les Quennevais, which opened last year, was “the best park that I’ve been to” and that an indoor facility would allow people to skate despite wet weather.
Skateboarder and youth worker Luka Pinto said: “I feel positive that young people will appreciate this space and be respectful of neighbours and the environment.”
The assessment report written by a planning officer reads: “The proposed use would provide a suitable future life for the dilapidated listed building and overwhelming public support has been received.”
