A HUGE indoor skatepark in Warrington has announced it is to reopen – less than 12 months after its shock closure.

Many were devastated by news in June last year that Ramp1 Skatepark would be closing its doors.

The indoor venue, which is one of the largest in Europe, took to social media to make the shock announcement.

Ramp1 had been trading steadily at Penketh Business Park since 2014, but it became a casualty of the cost-of-living crisis, having already been pushed to the brink by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The skatepark's owners said they had done everything they could to avoid closing the business, but with increasing rent and energy prices, they simply could not continue to offer customers 'value for money.'

However, seven months on, it has been confirmed that the skatepark will reopen.

In an announcement on social media, Ramp 1 said: “We are so excited to announce that Ramp1 and Airbase1, including an on-site café and shop, are all re-opening their doors under new ownership.

“The new ownership is Activity For All.

“The doors will re-open in the near future, with lots of events and announcements in the pipeline.

“Keep your eyes peeled on our social media for updates and dates for reopening, and tell all your friends and family the good news.

“We cannot wait to see you all.”

The skatepark was fitted inside the warehouse in 2014

The skatepark was fitted inside the warehouse in 2014

The announcement was greeted with joy from many well-wishers, with one commenting: “Amazing news for the community, area and beyond.

“Kids and others need more places like this to hang out and go.”

Another said: “Fantastic news. My son will be very pleased when you reopen. Good luck.”

The indoor skatepark has a large following on social media, with more than 11,000 followers on Facebook.

When the venue opened in 2014, it cost £1million to refit the former warehouse with the correct equipment to facilitate indoor skating.

In announcing the closure last summer, Ramp1 said: “Ramp1 opened its doors in 2014, and has managed to trade for nine years, even battling through Covid-19 closures as well as the occasional flood.

“Despite all our efforts, we are unfortunately having to close the doors as of June 12, as the business simply cannot offer our valued customers value for money ‘priced sessions’, while maintaining increased property rent, energy prices, food prices and general price increases.

“We have done everything we can to avoid this, but it has now become unsustainable.

“We really appreciate the support our loyal customers have shown us over the years, and our team are going to miss you all.

“We are extremely upset to see this valued local community service come to an end.”