Livingston Skatepark in West Lothian given listed standing by Historic Surroundings Scotland | UK Information

A Scottish skatepark that Tony Hawk as soon as described as a “legendary place” has been given protected standing by heritage bosses.

Livingston “Livi” Skatepark in West Lothian opened in 1981 and achieved worldwide recognition as a result of its scale, ambition and high quality.

It’s recognized for its deep bowl and attracted skaters far and large.

American skilled skateboarder Tony Hawk visited the park in 1991 and described it as a “legendary place”.

Historic Surroundings Scotland (HES) mentioned it’s the oldest surviving purpose-built skatepark within the nation and has now designated it as a listed construction at class B, which means it’s an architecturally or traditionally necessary website.

HES mentioned many concrete skateparks from that period are “more and more uncommon” throughout the UK as many have been stuffed or demolished.

West Lothian Council spearheaded the marketing campaign for the positioning to be listed.

Lawrence Fitzpatrick, chief of the native authority, mentioned: “I am completely delighted that Livingston Skatepark has been granted B listed standing.

“Because of everybody within the native and skating communities who confirmed their help for the distinctive facility through the session course of.

“Because the custodians of Livingston Skatepark, we’re properly conscious of the significance of the park, and including it to the checklist of Scotland’s important buildings will assist guarantee it’s protected for future generations.”

Skateboarding, which originated in California within the Fifties, turned in style in Scotland within the Nineteen Seventies.

The motion prompted native skater Kenny Omond to method Livingston Growth Company with the thought for a skatepark.

It was designed and constructed by architect Iain Urquhart after an in depth examine of US skateparks and conversations with skate boarders.

Mr Omond designed an extension to the park in 1992, a time when only a few skateparks have been being constructed.

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Dara Parsons, head of designations at HES, mentioned: “Iain Urquhart’s unique design is grounded in early skate tradition, and the park is understood world wide for its pioneering design, the standard of the skating expertise, and as a prototype for later concrete skateparks.

“We’re very grateful for everyone who contributed to our public engagement, which helped us perceive the historical past, design, high quality and experiences for many who use the skatepark.

“Tony Hawk, who skated there again in 1991, described it as ‘a legendary place’, and it’s clear that this stays a extremely valued artistic and social area for the neighborhood of Livingston and the skating and biking neighborhood.

“Via designation, we hope to recognise and shield the perfect examples of our cultural heritage.

“Itemizing Scotland’s oldest skatepark helps exhibit the number of our historic setting and particularly the necessary function the constructed setting of the late twentieth century construction has in telling Scotland’s story.”