A SKATE park in Bolton town centre will close tomorrow so building work on a £180,000 replacement can begin.

The skate park in Dawes Street will shut so the 12-week project to build a state-of-the-art park can begin.

The new park — funded by Bolton Council — will measure 1,275 square metres, almost double the size of the current facility.

The new design will see the park near Morrisons extended across the street, into a nearby car park and the footpath from Great Moor Street to Morrisons will be diverted.

The park is currently used by skateboarders, BMX bikers and scooter users. Its popularity has meant that the park has often become overcrowded.

The current park was opened by Bolton Council in 2007 following a campaign by young people.

Cllr Cliff Morris, leader of Bolton Council, said: “It is great news that work is starting on the skate park.

“We do appreciate that this will mean that for a few months the skate park users will be left without a facility and I’d like to thank them in advance for their patience.”

Freestyle Skateparks Ltd, based in Hertfordshire, is building the skate park and the design has had input from a range of park users.

A group of 12 skateboarders were involved in the selection process for Freestyle and in the design.

The space has been designed to accommodate all disciplines, skill and age levels together in one safe place.

David Pearson, aged 20, from Great Lever, is a regular user of the Dawes Street Park.

He said: “This is something that the town needs.

“The facilities here are getting older and worn and there are a lot more people coming in to use them.

“It makes it quite hard to skate at times, especially on Saturdays when it’s very busy.

“It should be really good when the work is done.”

Planning permission for the new project was granted in August 2013. Following preparatory works, the project is expected to take about 12 weeks to complete.