SKATERS are rejoicing after a new £150,000 cutting-edge concrete skatepark replaced the old equipment in Central Park.

Chelmsford City Council, which has worked with local youth services and skate enthusiasts on the design, will open the new park on Saturday at 1.30pm.

Professional skaters have been billed for the launch, while Councillor Bob Massey, the cabinet member for parks, will also be in attendance.

He said: “I am delighted with the results, I think it is a really amazing transformation and I can’t wait to see the new facility in use.

“The build was inspired because the old and much-loved park had become worn, so we knew something had to be done, and the metal equipment replaced. It has been there for 10 or 15 years.

“It was also inspired by the South Woodham skate park, which was built out of concrete several years ago, and still shows no signs of wear and tear.”

Designed and built by Gravity, the new skatepark includes quarter-pipes, flat banks, grind ledges and hubbas, among other features.

A built-in cupboard, containing brooms, sacks and bags, is also included - so users have somewhere to put their litter after a day on their wheels.

During the removal and construction, regular users have waited eagerly for the grand reopening.

The works have involved digging out over 300 tonnes of soil and adding 220 cubic metres of concrete, before laying over 200 square meters of turf.

Councillor Massey continued: “Thanks to Chelmsford’s skaters for waiting so patiently during the summer and for being a big part of the design process - I hope you enjoy the park for many years.”

Skaters, BMXers, roller bladers and scooter users are all welcome to attend the opening.