What is this?

The St Ouen’s Methodist Church is a true landmark and valuable community asset that has been sadly under-utilised for the past 50 years. We have the vision and drive to bring this space back into daily use, in a way that will be inclusive, inspiring, and innovative. A project that will motivate the creators and end-users to realise their potential for social collaboration and creativity, whilst being supported by a Government and private sector that values the importance of progressive, regenerative community projects. This building is a wonderful space that once served a vital role in the St Ouen’s community. With this project, we believe it will once again be a shining social beacon for a new generation of visitors.

The Philosophy

Skateboarding is now an Olympic sport. But, for most skaters, it is much more than a sport. It is a multi-faceted and inclusive subculture that appeals to artists and individualists as much as to athletes and team players. It is challenging and rewards perseverance. It is as competitive as you make it. It can be artistic and creative. Jersey finally has a world-class outdoor skateboarding facility, and skateboarding has experienced a huge upsurge of new practitioners. There can be no doubt, the Les Quennevais skatepark is the most popular place in Jersey right now, and this will only grow. This means that on rainy days, many users will be searching for a ‘spot’ offering shelter. This building offers the perfect size and proportions for an indoor skatepark.

Creative Mentorship

Our vision for St Ouen’s Methodist Church goes far beyond installing a few ramps. The "skateboard community” does not end with those that have sturdy knees and a talent for balancing on a moving object. It encompasses artists, musicians, filmers, photographers, and creators of all kinds. By collaborating with this demographic, the skateboarding facility will form the foundation of a vibrant social and cultural venue for the whole community. We would like to attract professionals of their creative fields to run workshops, and pass on knowledge and skills to enthusiastic young people with informal mentorship programmes. We would like to have digital work stations available for young people who can’t access such facilities at home, with adults available to offer guidance.

This is a not-for-profit venture, where the financial aims are solely to generate enough funds to keep the project alive, and thriving into the future.