Barking Sporthouse to Close Indoor Skate Park as Part of Major Modernisation Project
Barking Sporthouse to Close Indoor Skate Park as Part of Major Modernisation Project
After 13 years of welcoming skate boarders from across the borough, the indoor skate park at Barking Sporthouse will close on 2nd August 2026 as part of a major £2 million investment programme to modernise the centre and create new opportunities for people to get active.
The decision follows several years of declining use and increasing operating losses and will enable the introduction of Barking and Dagenham's first permanent indoor padel courts, alongside other improvements designed to meet the changing needs of the local community.
The centre's popular Clip 'n Climb attraction will also be relocated within the main play area, while the sports hall is being redesigned to house six permanent badminton courts and three dedicated pickleball courts, creating an improved experience for families visiting the centre.
The closure of the skate park will understandably be disappointing for its users, and we would like to thank everyone who has supported the facility over the past decade. However, skateboarders will continue to have access to a range of local alternatives, including nine free outdoor skateparks across Barking and Dagenham, as well as Rom Skatepark in nearby Romford.
GLL is also exploring opportunities to donate the skate park's ramps and equipment to a local skatepark or community organisation, helping to ensure they continue to benefit local people.
Padel is the UK's fastest-growing sport, with almost 900,000 people now playing each year and participation having doubled over the past 12 months. Despite its rapid growth, Barking and Dagenham currently has no permanent padel courts, making this an exciting addition to the borough's leisure offer.
Working in partnership with the LTA, GLL will deliver affordable community programmes for children, adults and older people, ensuring the new courts are accessible to as many people as possible. The project is expected to generate around 42,000 additional visits to Barking Sporthouse each year, helping more residents enjoy the physical and social benefits of being active.
These developments build on substantial recent investment at Barking Sporthouse,
including the transformation of the trampoline park into a state-of-the-art multizone activity area, a new group cycle studio, new gym equipment and the introduction of the Rise gymnastics programme.
While the closure of the indoor skate park marks the end of an era, the wider investment is designed to secure the long-term future of Barking Sporthouse as a modern, welcoming community hub. By improving facilities and introducing new activities, GLL is creating more opportunities for residents of all ages to play, exercise and stay active for years to come.