A council has revealed its next steps in building a £1.3 million skatepark, backed by Tracey Emin, in one of Kent’s most deprived neighbourhoods.

Thanet District Council (TDC) has announced proposals to allocate an extra £350,000 to the facility, which will be built in Ethelbert Crescent, Cliftonville.

Furthermore, it is posed to own and run the service itself rather than leasing it out to a tender.

The plans will be put forward to councillors at a meeting next week and are recommended to be approved.

The scheme first emerged after TDC flattened a make-shift skatepark in 2014 called Little Oasis - built by residents - due to safety concerns.

Outspoken Margate artist Tracey Emin publicly supported the idea and pledged £100,000 of funding to the project.

Councillors gave the scheme an official green light in 2022.

The project, which is part of the multi-million pound Margate Town Deal, already has £984,000 of funding. However, an extra £350,000 is set to be reallocated from another project.

A council spokesman added: “The skatepark is envisioned as a community recreation space to be enjoyed by skaters of all levels and will regenerate the site at Ethelbert Crescent.

“In addition to the skatepark, plans for the site include new public toilets and a refreshment kiosk. The skatepark will be free to access and open to all.

“In a change to previous plans for a community interest company to manage the maintenance, repairs and health and safety requirements for the site and the kiosk, the report now proposes that the skatepark site, including the kiosk and toilets, remain under the management of Thanet District Council.”

It is proposed that any profits from the kiosk will be ring-fenced into a sinking fund for the sports facility’s upkeep.

Cabinet member for regeneration and property, Cllr Ruth Duckworth, said: “The Margate Skatepark is a very popular project and has the potential to be a space that the entire community can use and be proud of.

“At a time when so much of the provision, particularly for our local young people, is under threat, this will be a welcome addition to the recreational facilities in the district.

“Decisions about how we ensure its long-term future are critical, and I value the opportunity to review plans and establish a sustainable way forward.”

Work is expected to finish at the site in 2026.

The park has been backed by numerous local skateboard fans, including Nic Powley, who owns Skatepharm on Marine Drive.

He previously told KentOnline: “Skateboarding is an activity with a low entry cost, these are accessible sports for people on low incomes, it is not like you need to shell out for loads of gear like so many other sports,” he said.

“And this park will be for everyone who wants to use it, young and old, experienced and beginner – hopefully, we’ll even get people back into the sport who have lapsed.

“We already have a good skateboard community in Thanet, but we do not have anywhere to meet and go at the same time – this will provide that.”