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Perth skate park to close and make way for carpark

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Wednesday, September 17th 2025 at 14:38 GMT by Perth Now
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Fremantle’s iconic skate park set to close as Public Transport Authority ends lease

Fremantle’s most beloved skate park, a cornerstone of the city’s alternative‑culture scene since the early 2000s, is slated to shut its gates after the Public Transport Authority (PTA) ends its lease. The decision, announced in early May, will bring a wave of uncertainty for skaters, local businesses and community groups that have counted on the park’s concrete bowls, rails and half‑pipe to be a safe, accessible venue for the next generation of riders.

A brief history of the park

The skate park, situated on the corner of St Patrick’s Terrace and King William Street, opened its doors in 2005 after a community‑driven campaign that saw the city council allocate the site and secure a ten‑year lease from the PTA. Over the past 18 years, the park has hosted thousands of skaters, from school‑age beginners to seasoned professionals who use its advanced features for competitions and daily practice.

The park’s concrete bowl, a 20‑meter‑diameter “bowl” with a gentle 12‑degree incline, is considered one of the best in Western Australia. It is complemented by a half‑pipe, a rail, a ledge and a series of “boxes” that cater to a wide range of skill levels. The facility also hosts regular skate lessons, community nights and charity events that benefit local youth organisations.

A link to the Fremantle City Council’s page on the skate park (https://www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/parks-and-playgrounds/fremantle-skate-park) provides further details on the park’s design, usage statistics and the council’s commitment to supporting alternative sports. The page also outlines the council’s efforts to negotiate with the PTA to extend the lease, but those talks have stalled due to the PTA’s redevelopment plans.

Why the lease is ending

According to the PTA’s statement, the lease will expire on 30 September 2025. The authority has identified the site as a prime location for a new bus corridor that will improve public transport links to the Perth CBD. The corridor is part of a broader initiative to increase bus frequency and reduce traffic congestion in the city’s historic precincts.

“We recognise the value of the skate park to the community,” the PTA said in a press release. “However, the infrastructure required to support the new transit corridor cannot coexist with the park’s current configuration. We are exploring options to mitigate the impact on skaters, but we cannot extend the lease beyond the agreed date.”

The decision follows a long‑standing plan, first revealed in the PTA’s 2020 transport master strategy, to redevelop a number of city assets to accommodate rising public transport demand. The redevelopment of the park site will involve the demolition of the existing concrete bowls and the installation of a bus platform and a pedestrian underpass.

Community reaction

The announcement has sparked a strong backlash from local skaters, who argue that the park is “more than a sport venue – it’s a cultural hub.” “This is a historic loss for Fremantle,” said Jasmine Lee, a 24‑year‑old skateboarder who has trained at the park since she was 12. “The park’s unique design and the sense of belonging we feel here can’t be replicated elsewhere.”

Local businesses along King William Street, many of which rely on the park’s nightly traffic of skaters, have also expressed concern. David McKenna, owner of a nearby surf‑gear shop, noted that “the park draws a steady stream of visitors that support our other offerings. Losing the park could hurt footfall.”

The council has responded by inviting community feedback through a public consultation that runs until 15 July 2025. In a statement, councilor Marian McLeod emphasised the council’s duty to balance public transport needs with community amenities: “We understand the park’s importance. Our role is to find a solution that preserves the city’s livability while meeting transportation goals.”

What happens to the skaters?

The PTA has promised that an alternative park will be provided, though the exact location remains uncertain. The council is currently exploring options, including:

1. A new skate park on the adjacent Fremantle Waterfront – a site that would offer more space and better views, but would require significant redevelopment.
2. A partnership with the Perth Skateboarding Club to use an existing park in West Perth – a temporary measure while a permanent solution is found.
3. Redevelopment of a vacant lot on Cavenagh Street – a proposal that could integrate a new skate park into a mixed‑use precinct.

A link to the council’s detailed planning proposal (https://www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/planning/transport-fremantle) outlines the three scenarios and invites community input on the design, cost and timelines.

Lessons for the future

The closure of Fremantle’s skate park highlights the tension that can arise when transportation infrastructure projects clash with community spaces. While the PTA’s redevelopment is aimed at improving public transport, it underscores the need for early collaboration between transport authorities, local councils and community groups.

As a city that prides itself on its vibrant arts scene, Fremantle has a responsibility to preserve spaces that foster creativity and healthy lifestyles. The council’s upcoming consultation and the PTA’s exploration of alternative solutions could set a precedent for how other Australian cities navigate similar conflicts in the future.

Final thoughts

The park’s closure is more than a change of scenery; it is a significant cultural shift for Fremantle. The community’s response will shape the next chapter of the city’s identity. While the PTA’s bus corridor promises improved connectivity, the challenge lies in ensuring that the alternative skating venue, whether on the waterfront or elsewhere, matches the original park’s spirit and accessibility. The coming months will see intense dialogue between skaters, business owners, council members and transport planners, as they seek to find a solution that preserves Fremantle’s distinctive edge without compromising the city’s growth objectives.