Youngsters could be using a town centre skate and BMX bike park sooner than they think.

Papers for Swale council’s cabinet meeting, due to be held on March 11, show members will be asked to approve up to £200,000 to create the facility on a neglected site behind Halfords on the Mill Way Retail Park in Sittingbourne.

The grant is in addition to £55,000 already pledged by the local authority towards the scheme.

The proposed 1.5-acre site was gifted by owners Essential Land to Swale council on the understanding it would be made available for a skate park.

In turn the project gained outline planning permission in April last year and nearly £90,000 has been secured for the venture.

Money has come from the local authority, councillors’ grants, Sittingbourne Skatepark Fundraising Group’s own efforts plus £10,000 from housing association AmicusHorizon.

If the funds are approved next week it will take the group nearer to the £350,000 target needed to build the venue which will be known as The Mill.

It has been designed to include advanced areas for skateboarders and BMX riders, as well as a street plaza, a cafe and skate shops.

Cllr Mike Whiting, cabinet member for localism, sport, culture and heritage said: “We have been working on the project hoping to develop this wonderful local skate park for the last two years so I will personally be delighted if this money is approved.

“It will make a huge difference to the local community who have shown nothing but fantastic enthusiasm since the whole thing began.”

Group mentor Dave Green added: “This is obviously really good news for those, like me, who have been involved since the beginning and sometimes thought we would never get the money we need.

“I am certain the park will bring people from all over Swale and further afield into the area. This money is key to making that happen and we cannot wait to see it get started.”

Jordan Rogers, chairman of the group, added: “We have waited years for somewhere for young people to go to.

“Having a purpose-built park in the town means we won’t have to travel to Broadstairs or Dartford, and it will be a great attraction for young people from other areas to come to Sittingbourne.”

To keep up with The Mill Project’s progress or to make a donation to it via PayPal, visit www.sittingbourneskate.co.uk