A skateboarding charity has successfully reopened its much-loved skatepark in a new Derby location after being evicted from its former premises.

Flo Skatepark unveiled its 20,828 sq-ft indoor skatepark in Derby’s Derbion shopping centre earlier this month, transforming the former Eagle Market space.

Its opening day featured a packed skate jam, filled with upbeat energy that made attendees of all age groups feel alive.

Mark Deans, chairperson of Flo Charitable Trust, which was set up to stop the skatepark disappearing, summed up the mood.

It can only get better and better from here. The park is there to be used by a whole range of small wheels.

Flo Skatepark centres diversity and inclusion

Flo Skatepark had to leave its Nottingham home in 2024 when the site was repurposed for a new footbridge over the River Trent.

For the skaters who mastered their wheels under its roof, and for the charity behind it, the closure felt personal, not just practical.

However, the departure from the old location led to Flo landing in a new place, prompting potential for a bigger platform and a great future.

Its new space puts diversity and inclusion at the forefront. Alongside a dedicated beginner zone for first-timers, it offers substantial features for experienced riders, including a vert ramp and a bowl.

Deans says Flo has always facilitated growth throughout the entire skating journey, from that nervous first push to elite training.

In the past, we’ve taken someone from beginner to national champion. Whether you’re trying it for the first time or training for the Olympics, this park can support you — at any level in between.

That is of great importance in today’s skateboarding landscape as the sport now operates on the world’s biggest stage.

Since joining the Olympic programme at Tokyo 2020 and returning at Paris 2024, skateboarding has gained legitimacy, allowing an increased number of young people to pursue the sport professionally whilst preserving the culture and creativity that define it.

Why indoor spaces like Flo Skatepark matter

The most concrete message enunciated at the opening centred on safety and confidence, particularly for people who can feel excluded in outdoor spaces.

In the UK, indoor skateparks answer a straightforward challenge derived from the weather and its limitation to outdoor presence. Year-round access enables consistent practice and structured coaching for the sport, both crucial for helping young riders improve and stay engaged.

Flo’s expansion aligns with national aims from Sport England to keep people active by facilitating access to welcoming local amenities.

A city centre skatepark with real visibility

The Derbion’s location places skateboarding at the heart of the city, alongside shops, places to eat and other attractions. That visibility reshapes who encounters it, who gives skateboarding a go and who feels it’s truly a sport for them.

Beth McDonald, managing director of the Derbion, called it “world-class” and said it would “unite sport, culture and community”.

Derby City Council leader, Nadine Peatfield, framed it as part of a bigger city-centre plan.

She said:

This is a brilliant addition to our city centre, providing a world-class space where people of all ages can come together to stay active and inspired…

I can’t wait to see the positive impact it will have.

What does Flo’s move mean for British skateboarding?

Flo’s story reaches beyond a single building and demonstrates the resilience of a skating community that refused to fade away.

Nottingham was a defining chapter, proving a focus on nurturing talent, building confidence and creating a place to belong for its young community.

However, Derby is the next step: bigger, bolder and far easier to find. As Mark Deans put it, it’s a new era.

Featured image via Marketing Derby

By Faz Ali

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