Coming Soon: F51, Folkestone’s 3-Storey Skatepark & Climbing Centre
In less than a week, Folkstone’s brand new multi-storey skatepark, F51, is set to open its doors to the public. 3 skate disciplines – Park, Bowl and Flow – each have their own dedicated floor; from beginners to pros, there’s space for everyone to develop and progress.
Press Release:
World’s first multi-storey skatepark opens in UK
The world’s first purpose-built multi-storey skatepark, Folkestone 51 (F51), is set to open on the 4th April. It is the home to three skatepark floors, a 15m climbing wall, dedicated bouldering area, cafe and boxing facilities. In addition F51 will also feature another world first, with the only suspended concrete bowl ever to be built.
The impressive is building is located in the heart of Folkstone and overlooks the channel, with views over to France. The venue took over 4 years to construct, at a cost of over £17 million, with the majority of the funding coming from The Roger De Haan Charitable Trust, which was set up by the founder of the Saga holiday group.
The venue contains a concrete bowl and separate pool with unique design features and has a maximum depth of 2.7m. The first floor is home to a large ‘street’ skatepark with 700sqm of skate area, utilising a mixture of obstacles inspired by street furniture and modern skatepark design. The top floor houses a ‘Flow Floor’ which is aimed at all abilities and is made from a full timber structure. The venue also has a 15m high climber wall, with 15 lines and 2 dedicated speed climbing walls, plus a bouldering area. There is café, as well as a modern boxing gym.
Last year skateboarding made its premier at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, with Sky Brown winning a Bronze Medal for Team GB, securing her place as Britain’s youngest ever Summer Olympian. Since then the number of people taking up skateboarding has rocketed, with participation at an all-time high.
Dan Hulme, Chief Executive of The Shepway Sports Trust, Said: “We are incredibly honoured that The Roger De Haan Charitable Trust has gifted this world-class building to The Sports Trust and we are excited to bring this extraordinary venue to life. As a charity that has been working in Folkestone for over seven years to create inclusive and inspiring environments for people to love sport, we are confident that Folkestone 51 will bring enviable opportunities and experiences to local people for generations to come.”.
Online booking reservations can now be made online for F51, Folkstone and will be open to the public from the 4th April 2022.
