The future of skating in Gateshead
Leading skateboarding organisation Shred the North is to work with Gateshead Council to look at options for replacing the famous Five Bridges skate park.
The future of the skate park was put in doubt as soon as the Gateshead Flyover closed in December 2024, as it sat directly beneath the concrete structure.
Then in August last year, the council was obliged to urgently close the internationally renowned skate park when a survey of the flyover found significant areas of concrete were loose, directly above the skate park.
Since then the council has been talking to Shred the North about the closure of Five Bridges skate park and its significance to Gateshead, the North East, and much further afield.
The Council has now secured funding from North East Mayor Kim McGuinness to appoint Shred the North to carry out an 'options study' exploring possible sites, reviewing existing facilities across the borough, and identifying potential funding routes to support delivery.
Councillor Angela Douglas, cabinet member for culture, sport and tourism, and one of the councillors representing Bridges ward, said:
"Gateshead's skater community plays a big role in the energy and identity of our borough. Five Bridges earned an international reputation, and the cover of the flyover made it a go‑to spot all year round.
"We know its loss has been felt, but we're excited to be working with Shred the North to move this project forward. We're determined to do everything we can to keep skate culture in Gateshead strong and thriving."
Dave Apomah, head of the Shred The North community interest company, said:
"We know how important Five Bridges was — not just locally, but nationally and internationally.
"It wasn't simply a skate park; it was a unique, weather-protected space that supported a thriving, multi-disciplined community all year round.
"This study gives us the opportunity to properly understand what is needed now — where it should be located, what type of facility will best serve the community, and how it can be delivered in a realistic and sustainable way.
"Our role is to work closely with the Council and the wider Wheeled Action Sports community to explore all viable options, provide clear evidence, and outline practical pathways that can bring high-quality provision back to Gateshead."
There are a further 13 skate parks in Gateshead but Five Bridges was the only one in the town centre area - and easily accessible by Metro.
Shred the North aims to complete its work by the summer.
Leading skateboarding organisation Shred the North is to work with Gateshead Council to look at options for replacing the famous Five Bridges skate park.
The future of the skate park was put in doubt as soon as the Gateshead Flyover closed in December 2024, as it sat directly beneath the concrete structure.
Then in August last year, the council was obliged to urgently close the internationally renowned skate park when a survey of the flyover found significant areas of concrete were loose, directly above the skate park.
Since then the council has been talking to Shred the North about the closure of Five Bridges skate park and its significance to Gateshead, the North East, and much further afield.
The Council has now secured funding from North East Mayor Kim McGuinness to appoint Shred the North to carry out an 'options study' exploring possible sites, reviewing existing facilities across the borough, and identifying potential funding routes to support delivery.
Councillor Angela Douglas, cabinet member for culture, sport and tourism, and one of the councillors representing Bridges ward, said:
"Gateshead's skater community plays a big role in the energy and identity of our borough. Five Bridges earned an international reputation, and the cover of the flyover made it a go‑to spot all year round.
"We know its loss has been felt, but we're excited to be working with Shred the North to move this project forward. We're determined to do everything we can to keep skate culture in Gateshead strong and thriving."
Dave Apomah, head of the Shred The North community interest company, said:
"We know how important Five Bridges was — not just locally, but nationally and internationally.
"It wasn't simply a skate park; it was a unique, weather-protected space that supported a thriving, multi-disciplined community all year round.
"This study gives us the opportunity to properly understand what is needed now — where it should be located, what type of facility will best serve the community, and how it can be delivered in a realistic and sustainable way.
"Our role is to work closely with the Council and the wider Wheeled Action Sports community to explore all viable options, provide clear evidence, and outline practical pathways that can bring high-quality provision back to Gateshead."
There are a further 13 skate parks in Gateshead but Five Bridges was the only one in the town centre area - and easily accessible by Metro.
Shred the North aims to complete its work by the summer.
