LISTEN: "We need more spaces for young people"

Tuesday 16 January 2024

Now that plans to convert a St Ouen's church into an indoor skatepark have received the green light, the islander behind the project has shared more details about how it will operate going forward as she highlights the need for more funding for engaging social spaces for young people.

The Skate Space charity was set up two years ago by photographer Natalie Mayer and teacher Michelle Smith, alongside a team of volunteers, with a vision to repurpose the long-unused St Ouen's Methodist Church.

Their efforts have finally paid off as they received the go ahead to start transforming the church into a cultural centre and indoor skatepark after a lengthly two-year planning process.

Skate Space plans to install removable ramps inside the church, salvaged from the recently closed town skatepark, until they can afford a bespoke setup.

As well as offering an alternative to the outdoor Les Quennevais skatepark during rainy weather, the new indoor space will also host creative workshops and activities like videography, art, and photography.

Pictured: The indoor venue will offer an alternative to the outdoor Les Quennevais skatepark during rainy weather.

Natalie said: “I feel like the idea is exactly in line with the original intention of the space, which is a place for people to come together, and collaborate and make something nice together. 

“The congregation that practices in the church behind where our project will be are also happy with us, and they want to see this space come to life.” 

Natalie also plans to include an editing suite and use her background in photography to encourage young skateboarders to produce and showcase their work while learning new skills. 

Pictured: Young local skateboarders on a trip to Malmö in Sweden which was organised by the charity Skate Space. (Natalie Mayer)

The operation of the skatepark will involve multiple keyholders trained by the coaching organisation Skateboard Jersey. 

Each keyholder will organise sessions for different groups, which will range from beginners to specific demographics like girls or over-40s, as well as school groups like students from La Passerelle School. 

Natalie also highlighted how the project seeks to address the lack of youth spaces and activities in Jersey.

“It's no secret that our young people don't have a place to go," she said.

"I live at St Brelade and I've often seen kids hanging out in the foyer of the HSBC there on evenings. And I'm sure that's annoying to HSBC. But where else do they go?"

“In the past, we had Fort Regent and we could gather there, but we just don't have that option anymore. So literally, I don't know where kids are supposed to go when it rains." 

Pictured: St Ouen's Methodist Church will be transformed into an indoor skatepark.

Natalie continued: "I don't have the solution for all kids. But I just had one idea that will suit some kids. So I felt it was really important to push forward with that, and hopefully will inspire some other projects to get going as well to make things accessible and interesting to all different kinds of people.

"We need more facilities and spaces for young people."

While the Skate Space project has already received a Government grant for planning and design, the next phase involves seeking sponsorships and business collaborations for financial and logistical support.

LISTEN...

Express sat down with Natalie Mayer to chat about her charity Skate Space, which is set to transform a rundown church into Jersey's largest-ever indoor skatepark.

Natalie shared her insights on the future management of the venue and the ongoing call for more funding and support, as well as explaining the impact of the harbour skatepark closing and the need for more facilities for young people in town.

Listen to the interview below or search 'Bailiwick Podcasts' on your favourite podcast provider...