Plans have been submitted to turn a Norwich church into a skatepark.
Small business owner Sam Avery submitted the plans to Norwich City Council's planning portal on September 6. The 15th century building has been empty for more than two years after the Norwich Martial Arts Academy vacated the premises in 2018.
According to the plans, the nave of the building is due to be used as a skateboarding training area, with classes held by certified coaches.
Mr Avery told the Norwich Evening news:
"With any group you have the odd bad kid but 99 per cent of skateboarders are pleasant, respectful people,"
“But skating gets treated like an anti-social activity when it isn’t.
“Skateboarding came from the streets and it will always be a street activity. But skateparks are useful for people to be safe, to learn and practice."
Skateboarder Alex Williams is thrilled at the idea.
"I absolutely love what Sam is doing here. It's fantastic," he said.
"Now skateboarding is in the Olympics it's become mad popular, and has helped legitimise the sport. But we'll never reach world class if we're just shouted away from every spot we use to practice.
"I think this skatepark will be good for the people who do find us a nuisance. The sound will be muffled, and it'll get people off the streets.
"Skating does wonders for people's mental health, and it truly is for everyone."