Forres Skate Park Initiative seeks expert researcher and planner
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CAMPAIGNERS for a skate park in Forres are looking for the best person to complete its preliminary planning.
Forres Skate Park Initiative (FSPI) have put out to tender for a business plan, feasibility and option appraisal which they will award on February 15 next year.
The submission deadline for bids is December 31 and FSPI chairman, Shaun Moat, has confirmed the move is a major step in bringing dreams of the facility to reality.
He said: "This is a key milestone in the project as it will ultimately inform us it is financial viable and give us clear guidance on the best location.
"The trustees have been working in the background during Covid-19 to get to this stage and we really believe that we can deliver a skate park for Forres."
The purpose of the viability study is to research and recommend ownership and management scenarios; identify and address gaps in skills and resources available within the community and the company board; recommend mitigation and management of risks associated with ownership and management; carry out a survey of the preferred site; review funding availability and prepare a delivery plan; raise awareness of the project; garner and report on perceptions of the project; prepare initial costings; prepare a five-year business plan; and identify a framework for an effective internal communication strategy.
Membership of FSPI currently includes Shaun, secretary Sandra Maclennan, treasurer Michael Robertson and fellow trustees Melissa Bowcutt, Fiona Rogers and Kevin Skivington. Anyone else who wants to get involved can email shaun@forresskatepark.org.uk.
FSPI is engaged with Moray Council and has met with local Moray Councillor Lorna Creswell and strategic planning and development manager Gary Templeton to discuss the project and what locations are zoned for leisure. Front-running suggestions for the skate park are the old Tesco site between Caroline Street and Gordon Street; common good land off Bogton Road; Mannachie playing fields; Grant Park; and Roysvale.
"We want to build an Olympic-standard skate park and pump track for all to use," said Mr Moat. "The areas mentioned are zoned by Moray Council as suitable but the feasibility and option appraisal will help us identify the best location. We will consider the impact on nearby homes and consultation with residents will be key to its success."
