Newton Abbot housebuilder donates £2,000 to support Lodge Skate Park recovery

A local housebuilder in Newton Abbot has once again demonstrated its commitment to the community with a generous £2,000 donation to the Lodge Skate Park.

The popular facility, a hub for local skaters and BMX riders, sustained significant damage after flooding caused by Storm Bert late last year.

Persimmon Homes South West made the donation through its Community Champions scheme, which aims to create a positive and lasting impact in the areas where it builds.

The Lodge Skate Park has long been a key part of Newton Abbot’s skateboarding, scootering, BMX freestyle, inline, and roller-skating scene, providing a safe and inclusive space for young people to engage in active sports. Run entirely by dedicated volunteers, the indoor skatepark operates seven days a week and six evenings a week.

The park offers a range of sessions catering to hundreds of children and young people from across South Devon. It supports individuals of all ages and abilities, helping them take up a wheeled sport or a volunteer placement that boosts their confidence, wellbeing, and both physical and mental health.

This donation will fund essential repairs and improvements, ensuring the park can fully refurbish its facilities and continue serving the town’s youth for years to come.

Persimmon Homes South West’s Sales Director, Stacey Harris, said:

“At Persimmon, we believe in giving back to the communities where we build, and we are delighted to support the restoration of the Lodge Skate Park. This facility is an important part of Newton Abbot’s recreational landscape, and we understand how much it means to the young people who use it.

“With our latest Kings Meadow development and our continued progress at Langford Bridge, we are committed to not only delivering quality homes for local people but also enhancing the well-being of the wider community. We hope our donation helps the skate park recover quickly and continue providing a valuable space for local residents.”

The donation comes as Persimmon South West continues to expand its presence in Newton Abbot. Kings Meadow, its latest development, offers a variety of two to four-bedroom homes on the outskirts of the historic Devonshire market town.

Additionally, the company has submitted its latest phase application for Langford Bridge, where 86 zero-carbon-ready homes are planned, seventeen of which will be transferred to a local housing association.

This development represents the second and third phases of the project, which has overall outline planning permission for up to 450 homes, including land for employment, schools, and a local centre.

Nikki Taylor, a spokesperson for the Lodge Skate Park, expressed her gratitude for the donation:

“The damage caused by Storm Bert was a huge setback for us, and it was heartbreaking to see our facility in such a state.

“This generous contribution from Persimmon South West will allow us to continue repairing and refurbishing the park, ensuring it remains a safe and welcoming space for our community.

“We are incredibly grateful for their support, as well as that of other local businesses, and we look forward to continuing to be a well-used facility for young people in Newton Abbot.”

Persimmon’s Community Champions fund donates over £700,000 annually to good causes and valued organisations across the UK, with previous local recipients including Newton Abbot Museum, Newton Abbot College, Buckland Athletic FC, and Dawlish Swimming Club.

The lodge provides coaching in scootering and skateboarding as well as home school sessions, ladies and girls nights and birthday parties. Visit www.thelodgeskatepark.co.uk for details and information on how to book.

For more information on Persimmon South West’s developments and community initiatives, visit www.persimmonhomes.com.