World-class skateboarding hub opens in city centre

A world-class indoor skateboarding hub has opened in the heart of Derby city centre.

Community sports charity Flo Skatepark has officially opened the doors to its brand-new facility at the Derbion shopping centre.

The impressive 20,828 sq ft venue offers people of all ages and abilities the chance to get involved in skating through lessons, events and community meet‑ups.

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 also 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.

Beth McDonald, managing director at 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.”

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.

Beth added: “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.”

Mark Deans, chairman of 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.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council and cabinet member for city centre, regeneration, strategy and policy, said: “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.”