Livingston Skatepark

The essential structural and surface repairs will ensure the continued use and preservation of the skatepark.

Special permission is required to undertake works on listed buildings and facilities which is why planning permission was required.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) designated Livingston 'Livi' Skatepark as a listed structure at category B last year. The skatepark, which opened in 1981 and was later extended, achieved international renown within the skate scene from its earliest days due to its scale, ambition and quality.

Historic Environment Scotland has been consulted on the proposals and has no objections to the development. No public comments have been received on the application.

At this stage, design plans have been drawn up and planning permission has been granted. Council officers and the contractor will work on scheduling and agreeing the programme of works which is likely to take place later this year.

Once the works are programmed, we will issue further communication to advise on timescales and duration of works.

The HES listing describes it as follows: This is a purpose-built, outdoor concrete skatepark in Almondvale Park, completed 1980 and opened 1981 by Livingston Development Corporation to designs by Iain Urquhart (executed by Rainbow Construction Ltd). Later extensions date to 1992 (designed by Kenny Omond) and 2015 (Gravity Engineering Ltd). Located above the south bank of the River Almond, the skatepark has a landscaped setting in public park grounds.

The application is accompanied by a survey report undertaken by specialist designers and construction experts, Betongpark, who will undertake the work on behalf of the council.

Given the value of the skatepark locally, nationally and internationally, it is important that the quality of the structure is maintained to ensure longevity. Whilst over the years minor repairs to the surface have been undertaken, it has reached a point where repairs of a greater scale are required to certain areas of the park to include replacement of sections (pools).

The planning application states that "It is encouraging that the applicant has engaged a specialist to understand and recommend the appropriate restoration and repair works."

Betongpark are a team of designers and construction experts who have experience restoring some of the UK's most iconic skateable spaces, including Stockwell skatepark and the Southbank Undercroft.

They said: "It is a privilege for us at Betongpark to be working on Livingston Skatepark, which is undoubtably one of the most historically significant skateparks worldwide. After decades of constant use and plenty of rain, the skatepark is in need of refurbishment works.

"Working closely alongside our engineering team, Skateboard Scotland and the locals at Livingston, we are confident that restorative works will drastically improve the riding experience for visitors. Following a detailed survey of the skatepark conducted earlier this year, we are proposing a variety of tried and tested refurbishment techniques to improve the skateable surface, including concrete polishing as a sustainable alternative to demolition." All works will be compliant with Livingston's listed status and true to it its original form, designed by the legendary architect Ian Urquhart.