A Swindon-based roller skating group is in discussions to transform the unused upper levels of the Whalebridge car park into a regular rooftop skating venue, creating what its founder believes could be one of the first projects of its kind in the UK.
Swindon Skate Social, founded by Gareth Davies, known locally as Gruff, has grown steadily since lockdown, bringing together quad and inline skaters of all ages and abilities. The group is now outgrowing the indoor hall space it currently uses and is exploring the potential of relocating to the top two levels of the car park.
Speaking from the rooftop, overlooking Old Town and the wider town centre, Gareth said the lack of suitable skating spaces in Swindon was what first prompted him to act.
“I started skating again just after lockdown, and there were no accessible halls big enough, no accessible safe spaces to teach skating in Swindon,” he said. “After many, many months of searching, I found a hall. We booked that on a weekly basis, but we’re outgrowing that space.”
The proposed move would allow Swindon Skate Social to run regular beginner and advanced sessions in an open, traffic-free environment.
“This is the progression of Swindon Skate Social, to have a safe environment for any age level of skaters to come, learn, enjoy the space,” Gareth explained. “It’s a social event. It’s not all about how good you are. It’s meeting people, getting involved, getting fit.”
The upper floors of the Whalebridge car park are currently unused, with Gareth suggesting the space could be repurposed quickly and at minimal cost.
“This will cost nothing to put on, nothing to start up,” he said. “I can start this quickly with the space we’ve got here right now. It’s a perfect opportunity, minimal outlay, maximum return.”
Gareth also believes the project could offer wider benefits beyond skating. The group intends to operate as a charity, with any money raised going back into Swindon-based causes.
“We’re going to run this as a charity, so the money we take in will be going to Swindon charity bases,” he said. “Hopefully we can raise good money for good causes to help regenerate Swindon.”
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Gareth and some friends testing out the car park in summer
He praised the support shown so far by Swindon Borough Council, which has invited expressions of interest for the space.
“The council have been great. They put out the initial feelers for companies and groups that might be interested in using the spacem and we said yes,” Gareth said. “This won’t cost the taxpayer a penny.”
Alongside skating sessions, the group plans to involve local artists to help refresh the space visually.
“I’ve got local artists who are going to help me clean up the place. We’re going to do some local art,” Gareth said. “It will turn a negative space into a positive space.”
For Gareth, the project is as much about changing perceptions of the town centre as it is about skating.
“Swindon needs positive eyes on it. Not all this negativity,” he said. “If there’s no shops, let’s use all these empty spaces for other businesses. You don’t need money to start things. You just need positivity and a good idea.”
Discussions around the future use of the rooftop space are ongoing but we are told an announcement will be made later this week.
Brilliant idea, hope it gets the go ahead, good luck