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Not too long ago, we named the Margate neighbourhood of Cliftonville the coolest place in the UK. With a host of record shops and cafes and, in the ever-reliable Cliffs, a record shop and café in one (with a hair salon thrown in for good measure), it’s hard to see how the relatively affordable artistic enclave could possibly become any cooler.
That, though, would be to overlook the news that Cliftonville is set to host a brand new skatepark costing a mega £1.1 million. Designed by Hackney-based Betabong Limited, the huge new attraction is to be built on a disused stretch of land on the seafront, meaning you can enjoy an incredible view of the sea while pulling sick tricks and yelling ‘Cowabunga!’.
The tender process for the redevelopment of the Ethelbert Crescent site, which previously housed a crazy golf course, was launched back in September. Now Thanet District Council has confirmed Betabong’s appointment, along with plans for a park that will cover almost an acre and feature seating, a kiosk and public loos.
Cliftonville's new skatepark was originally planned to open this summer, though a precise date now seems to be a bit up in the air (as you will be when the time comes). Betabong have suggested it’ll be later this year, though.
The council described Betabong as ‘world-class builders’, with its director of place, Bob Porter, saying: ‘As someone who is passionate about creating spaces where our young people can thrive, build connections and get active, I know how valuable this will be to the Margate community.
‘This isn’t just about rails and ramps. It’s about building a space where people of all ages can come together, strengthen relationships, gain skills, and feel proud of their local area. I can’t wait to see the designs and hear what our residents think.’
It’s all part of the £22.2m Margate Town Deal, an ambitious raft of investment that was announced in 2021 and is due to be delivered by 2027. As well as the skatepark, there’ll also be improvements made to Walpole Bay, while the Margate Theatre Royal and Margate Winter Gardens are set to reopen. £750,000 of funding for the skatepark came from the Margate Town Deal, with an additional £175,000 added during a council meeting in March 2024.
As Porter suggested, Thanet District Council has sought local residents’ feedback on the skatepark. The council will share this at public events before submitting for planning permission.
For their part, Betabong’s director Darren Nobbs said: ‘As a team of lifelong skaters, we’re pleased to be building the new park on the site of the former DIY skatepark, working closely alongside a strong local scene. Once built, the new concrete skatepark will be one of the UK’s best, set in a beautiful location overlooking the waterfront.
‘The concept design includes a range of street and transition-focused elements across a vast site, to provide something for everyone.’
Here are the best things to do in Margate in 2026.
Plus: Time Out’s essential guide to Kent.
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