Jedburgh receives a massive tourism boost with news of £270k funding for a hybrid skatepark and pump track

Kids in Jedburgh can gear up for a fun-filled future after a £270,000 hybrid skateboard and pump track project was given the green light.
Former Jedburgh Community Councillor, Charlie Young at the proposed site for a Hybrid Pumptrack and Skatepark at the Dip, Jedburgh. (Photo: BILL McBURNIE)Former Jedburgh Community Councillor, Charlie Young at the proposed site for a Hybrid Pumptrack and Skatepark at the Dip, Jedburgh. (Photo: BILL McBURNIE)
Former Jedburgh Community Councillor, Charlie Young at the proposed site for a Hybrid Pumptrack and Skatepark at the Dip, Jedburgh. (Photo: BILL McBURNIE)

After a decade or more in the planning the Jed Skateboard Project group has confirmed that Scottish Borders Council has put the funding in place for the new facility.

It is to be located at an area of the town known as ‘the Dip’, on the south side of the A68, on the site of a demolished silk mill which has been flattened and the land grassed over.

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In addition to giving town youngsters some much-needed recreational fun the facility will also attract an influx of tourists.

If all goes to plan the park will be up and running by the summer of 2022.

Inverness-based wheeled sports experts, Alan Jones Associates, will be overseeing the work – the company was the project manager on both the Kelso skateboard and Hawick pump track schemes.

“It’s fantastic news,” said former Jedburgh community councillor Charlie Young, chairman of the project group.

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He said: "Funding of £405,000 comes from Scottish Borders Council for recreational facilities within Jedburgh with £270,000 set aside for the skateboard/pump track and the rest going towards upgrading the existing playparks in the town.

"We are looking to secure planning approval this year with works on site commencing in April next year and hopefully the opening by the end of the summer.

"It’s a hybrid skatepark and pump track and it will be the first of its kind in Scotland.

"We are very grateful to the council for this funding and for ensuring the longevity of the other playparks in the town.

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"It’s a fantastic investment in town tourism because people will come here to use it. It will be seen from the roadside, so people driving through Jedburgh will now see that and it will give them a reason to stop. There are no facilities for wheeled sports in town. You get complaints about kids using the square and the streets, the car parks, so let’s get them out of there and into a safe zone, specifically for them.”

Charlie, 55, a long-time mountain bike enthusiast himself, added: "We are really happy with the way things have turned out because this is going to be a fantastic facility for the kids.”