Barking Skatepark being replaced by controversial “padel” courts and rising campaigns against gentrification in London

Syed Bukhari

Barking SkatePark, a popular indoor skate park being used by bmx riders and skateboarders is closed and is being replaced by indoor padel courts. 

The closure has caused major concerns among local residents and campaigners, who argue that the skatepark was important in the local community. They argue that replacing it with a paid facility would make the sport less accessible to people who are unable to afford it. Campaigners have raised concerns about the loss of an affordable place for the young people in the community. 

However, authorities of Barking and Dagenham have defended this decision, implying that the skatepark was unable to stay self-reliant, as it was already losing money and the changes were imperative to make the site financially sustainable. 

The closure has therefore set wider debates on whether community facilities should prioritise affordable access or financial stability.