Plans for a new skate park in Inverclyde are to be submitted to planning officials.

If approved, the designs, produced by specialist skatepark designers Wheelscape, will see the existing facilities at Battery Park replaced. The new state-of-the-art park would include ramps, kickers, quarter pipes, steps, rails, banks, raised tables and kerbs, the local authority has said.

The new skatepark will have three sections.

A 'transition' section, which would feature a fully-enclosed bowl with pockets, hips and transfers, as well as a waterfall down to a deeper section.

The 'plaza' section, which would include low level flat concrete for flat-ground manoeuvres, plus a unique grind ledge/manual pad and a flat bank hip.

A 'street' section, will include a level change with Real Street features such as the five-set of stairs with handrail and the kerbstone-topped Jersey barrier-style extension.

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Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde's Environment and Regeneration Convener, explained: "This is an exciting new development and I am sure one that skateboarders will be looking forward to using. The existing one has been well used but it is clear from the plans for the new skatepark that we will be moving to a whole new level. I would like to thank the Inverclyde Skatepark Group for their valuable input to making sure that the new skatepark is an investment we can all be proud of."

Councillor Jim Clocherty, Inverclyde's Vice Convener for Regeneration, added: "I am struck by how engaged and positive the Skatepark group have been over this new development and I hope that once the application is through the formal planning process we can get moving on delivering this excellent new facility which will only add to the first class leisure opportunities on offer Inverclyde already has for residents and for visitors."

Russ Heideman, designer, Wheelscape, commented: "Battery Park Skatepark has been a really exciting project to work on. From the initial tender stage we have seen the project through to this point in conjunction with our clients Inverclyde Council and with valued input from the Inverclyde Skatepark Group'.

"We believe that this involvement in the design process leads to several benefits; local users get to have their input and in turn get a park that suits their needs, it gives us an opportunity to work closely and refine every little detail, also it gives the users a sense of ownership over the facility which in turn encourages them to look after and maintain it for years to come."

(JP/IT)