Malvern's young people
The diverse demographic groups in Malvern, requiring different facilities and opportunities, is an important issue which needs to be sensitively addressed. There is a need to attain a balance, where the needs of young people are met without compromising the quality of life, peace and enjoyment for the rest of the community.
10-17 year olds make up around 11% of the population of the Malvern Hills area. (Census, 2001)
Nearly 48% of Malvern residents stated that "skateboarders were a problem in their town centre".
59% of local residents agreed that young people hanging around outside school hours was also a problem in the town centres.
(Community Safety Residents Survey, 2001. p55)
When questioned about how they spend their time, 30% of young people said that they hang out on street corners and outside local shops. (Community Safety Partnership)
Young people were asked about what facilities they would like to see in Malvern. More than a third said that they would like a supervised skatepark, and most of these said that they would be happy to pay for this service. (The 2002 Crime & Disorder Audit, 2002. p110)
Although skaters and BMXers were pleased that their needs have been considered with the ramps at Victoria Park, they feel that "...it would be much better if they were built inside and made of material other than metal. In the winter it's too wet, slippery and covered in leaves. It's in a grassy area so your feet are muddy and the ramps get dirty... We want more things to do".
(Youthink Video, 2001)
When asked how this situation could be resolved, the unanimous suggestion from the group was that the skatepark should be enclosed and supervised. The preference was for an indoor, commercially run skatepark with an admission fee. Local young people said they regularly have to travel to Manchester, Cardiff and other places to enjoy state-of-the-art boarding facilities.
(The 2002 Crime & Disorder Audit, 2002. p39)
There is "very little to do in Malvern. We have to go to Worcester or Birmingham". (Youthink Video, 2001)
An indoor skatepark and young people's community centre in a non-residential area would provide a solution to these criticisms, needs and desires. This project would be run as a charitable organisation to help ensure that any profits would be reinvested into the skatepark.
The aim is to provide young people with a safe, enjoyable environment and also to offer services to help them make better life decisions.
Proposed features include:
- Skate/BMX ramps
- Outdoor BMX track
- Skate shop
- Climbing wall
- Chill-out area
- Café
- Internet access
- Advice sessions
- Games machines/pool table etc.
- Music venue
- Outdoor sports area/basketball hoop
- Garden barbeque area
