A FORMER warehouse which had stood derelict for four years has been transformed into an indoor skate park following a £100,000 makeover.

The skate park can accommodate up to 100 skaters and BMX riders on the Faverdale Industrial Estate, in Darlington.

It was fully opened on Saturday (April 5), following a five-week partial opening in January.

The formal opening marked the end of a long fundraising and building project – a joint venture between Darlington Gymnastics Club and 4Motion, a charity dedicated to supporting wheeled sports in the town.

It has taken 8,500 metres of timber, some 35,000 screws and countless hours of work and preparation to bring the skate park to life.

Project manager Nigel Potter, of 4Motion, said Saturday’s opening went well.

He said: “Saturday was a really good day, we got loads of great feedback about the ramps and it is great to have the full park open.

“We are really pleased with what we have achieved, it has been really positive and I would say we were probably about three quarters full all day on Saturday.”

Skaters and riders can turn up and pay to use the facilities, or book in advance, with group bookings also being taken.

The park will host competitions and training sessions, said Mr Potter.

He added: “I would like to say a big thank you to all the local businesses and volunteers that have helped along the way.

“We have had some really big input from people. Without that, we would not have got as good a park as we have got.

“It’s something great for young people and something great for Darlington.”

The idea for a skate park in the former conservatory warehouse was first mooted three years ago, with planning permission granted a year ago.

Builders merchants Jewsons adopted the skate park as its community project and has supplied many of the materials.

For more information, visit 4motiondarlington.org or call the skate park on 01325-460550.