Derbion has welcomed an exciting new addition to its growing leisure offer, as community sports charity Flo Skatepark officially opened the doors to its brand‑new indoor skateboarding hub this week.
The impressive 20,828 sq ft venue brings a world‑class skateboarding experience to the heart of the city, offering people of all ages and abilities the chance to get involved in skating through lessons, events and community meet‑ups. Designed to inspire the next generation of skaters, the hub represents a major step forward for skateboarding in the East Midlands.
A space for everyone
Flo Skatepark’s new indoor facility has been carefully designed to be welcoming and inclusive. Alongside skateboarding sessions, the skatepark will soon open its doors to scooters, inline skates and quad skates, making it a multi‑discipline space for the wider wheels community.
Beyond skating, the venue will also host exhibitions, community gatherings and collaborations with leading brands, including Vans, helping to create a vibrant, culture‑driven hub in the city centre.
Classes, sessions and how to book
The initial launch timetable includes a range of limited group sessions and classes, all of which require pre‑booking. These will be expanded over the coming weeks as the skatepark settles into its full programme.
Bookings are available online via www.floskatepark.org.
Vert ramp grand opening this April
To celebrate the launch, Flo Skatepark will host the grand opening of its iconic Vert ramp, sponsored by Subway, on Saturday 18 April. Visitors can look forward to live demonstrations and special activities throughout the day, with tickets available to book soon.
Designed by skaters, for skaters
Flo Skatepark worked closely with Rollersnakes, the UK’s oldest skateboard store and a Derby institution, to design the facility. Drawing on Rollersnakes’ decades of expertise, the venue has been purpose‑built to an exceptionally high standard and is set to host industry‑leading skateboarding events, attracting skaters from across the UK into the city.
Supported by Sport England and accredited by Skateboard GB, Flo Skatepark aims to deliver a premium skateboarding experience for both newcomers and experienced riders alike.
A new leisure hub for the city centre
Flo Skatepark sits alongside the recently opened indoor padel venue, Social Sports Society, together transforming part of Derbion’s former Eagle Market space into an all‑new leisure hub for the city.
The opening follows the completion of Derbion’s Eastern Gateway development, which has introduced a new shopping centre entrance and a vibrant public boulevard, further enhancing the area for the local community.
With its mix of sport, culture and community, Flo Skatepark is set to become a standout destination at Derbion and an exciting new chapter for urban sport in Derby.
Beth McDonald, Managing Director of Derbion, said: “The arrival of Flo Skatepark will not only provide new and experienced skaters with a world-class indoor hub to enjoy, but it will also unite sport, culture and community. Flo Skatepark will be a great addition to Derbion and to the city centre, so we’re proud to have supported them with significant investment and financial support throughout the build and beyond.
“Alongside the recent arrival of Social Sports Society, these new venues offer an exciting new experience for visitors and significantly expand our leisure offering, ensuring that Derbion remains the go-to day out destination for people across the region.
“We can’t wait to officially welcome Flo Skatepark to Derbion, and we’re confident that the inclusive space will be popular with locals of all ages.”
Mark Deans, Chairman, Flo Charitable Trust, said: “Being part of Derbion is an incredible opportunity for the Flo Charitable Trust and for skateboarding in Derby and the midlands Since our volunteers dismantled the old Flo Skatepark in December 2024, we have been working hard to create something truly special, and this is a skatepark we could only ever have dreamed of.
“An indoor vert ramp, an amazing bowl, a street plaza and a beginners’ area – all in the heart of the city. It means we can open skateboarding up to as many people as possible, of all ages and abilities, whether they’ve never set foot on a board or they’re already pushing their limits. We will also welcome inline/quad skaters and scooter riders in their own sessions, so there really is something for everyone and we look forward to welcoming Derby in.”
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy added:“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Flo Skatepark to its new home at Derbion. 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.
“Derby City Council is incredibly proud to have supported this project financially. Investing in high-quality, inclusive facilities such as this is vital for the vibrancy of our city, and it is fantastic to see the newly transformed Eastern Gateway to our city become a central hub for sport and culture. This opening marks another milestone in the regeneration of our city centre, and I can’t wait to see the positive impact it will have on our local community.”
