What was once an empty whisky warehouse, where skaters would be shooed off by local authorities for riding on the building’s features, now serves as a 30,000 square-foot hub for the sport and urban culture in north Glasgow.
The Loading Bay, a project in Port Dundas run by Scottish Canals, is a large indoor skate park and culture hub that makes use of an outmoded spirits depot under ownership by the canal authority.
Phil Wilson, manager of The Loading Bay, said: “There's never been an indoor skate park of this kind in Glasgow. The overall reception has been really positive.”
Wilson, active in the skating scene of Glasgow for many years, said the park used to be exactly the type of place that he and his friends would be run off from when they were growing up.
The park, opened to riders and skaters in late November, held its official opening event on Saturday.
The event hosted park managers, representatives from Scottish Canals, an MSP, a city councillor and even an after-party hosted by Glasgow culture magazine The Skinny.
Wilson stated that the space draws big names in skating and BMX to the area and he views the culture surrounding the sport as more about camaraderie than competing against others.
“For most people who participate in these activities, it’s not so much about the competitive aspects of it. It’s about the community and it’s about having fun and egging each other on to accomplish your goals.”
He said: “For most people who participate in these activities, it’s not so much about the competitive aspects of it. It’s about the community and it’s about having fun and egging each other on to accomplish your goals. That’s what really keeps people in this. It’s about the way we all treat each other and boost each other up. It keeps things really positive.”
Bob Doris, MSP for Maryhill and Springburn as well as Glasgow City Councillor Robert Mooney of the Canal Ward were both in attendance to see how the local government is able to provide a space for young people in the skating community and others in their constituencies.
Doris said: “I think this is an amazing facility. I know this is a city-wide facility but it’s right on our doorstep of Maryhill and Springburn and it really benefits young people because it encourages them to participate in a really positive physical activity.”
With the Pinkston Watersports park nearby, Doris claimed that it will put Maryhill and Springburn on the map as “an action sports destination for the Glasgow area and beyond.”