Prime: More Than a Skatepark, It’s a Legacy
A Resilient Sanctuary Driving Positive Social Change
A Lifetime of Dedication
Prime Skatepark is more than just a venue; it is a powerful, mission-driven organisation and a Registered Charity (No. 1192291) dedicated to transforming lives in the South West. We use active wheeled sports—skateboarding, scooting, rollerskating, and BMX—as a vehicle for positive social change. Based in the heart of Plymouth, we are the longest-standing indoor skatepark in our region, actively providing an indoor skatepark and skate shop since 2009. We provide a critical indoor sanctuary—a welcoming, sheltered, safe space—where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can engage in consistent physical activity, develop new skills, and find a deep sense of belonging year-round.
Our core mission is to provide a welcoming, safe, and sheltered space for as many people as possible. We remove the barriers of weather and safety, allowing for consistent physical activity and social connection year-round, and we do all we can to welcome, embrace, encourage, and teach new faces to the world of skateboarding.
Our History and Impact
Prime, as you know it today, is the result of a lifetime of hard work and genuine dedication from staff, volunteers, and the local community. This journey, which started over three decades ago, has been working towards the common goal of providing a safe, sheltered place to skateboard in our city. Our founder has been instrumental in the development of local skateparks that predate Prime, and we take pride in supporting others' developments.
- Proven Reach: Established in 2009, we have welcomed thousands of participants and currently attract 300–500 visitors weekly from across the South West and beyond.
- Life-Changing Value: We measure our success by watching participants grow from their first "wobbly pushes" to becoming local leaders within the scene.
- Strategic Growth: With skateboarding now an Olympic sport, demand for our facility is at an all-time high. Our next phase focuses on expansion and enhancing our Café & Social Space to deepen our community engagement.
The Prime Ecosystem: Support and Sustainability
What sets Prime apart and ensures our sustainability is our unique "Charity & Community Ecosystem"—a resilient model that a commercial-only competitor cannot replicate. When you buy from Prime, you're not just supporting an independent skate shop - you're helping to shape the future of skateboarding in Plymouth and beyond.
- A Sanctuary Supported by Social Spaces: Prime Skatepark operates as a registered charity, focused purely on its mission. We are proudly co-located with our independently operated Shop, Café & Bar.
- Resilience and Mutual Support: This partnership ensures that 23 Commercial Road is a sustainable, multi-use destination better equipped to serve Plymouth than a standalone project.
- Financial Integrity: All expenditure from the Charity’s income is reinvested directly into maintaining and growing the services. When you use the park or enjoy the Café & Bar, you are supporting the independent local economy and the overall atmosphere that sustains our sanctuary.
Trust and Transparency
We operate with complete transparency under the oversight of a dedicated board of Trustees, including John Henry Knight, Paul Read, and Kay Nicholls. We officially registered as a charity in 2021 to better meet the community's evolving needs.
We are here for everyone and encourage you to get involved to help us evolve, improve and make it yours!
Find out more about our Shop | Park | Café
View our governance documents and Trustees on the Charity Commission website.
23 Commercial Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 0LE
Come and see us
There are hotels just up the road if you are visiting Prime/ Plymouth, making it an ideal and convenient base for an affordable break on your own, with family, or as a group at any time of the year.
Come hang out with us, have a skate session, enjoy some delicious food, and maybe have a few evening drinks at our bar. You can also explore Plymouth, known as "Britain's Ocean City," which is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, with sandy beaches on one side and moors on the other.
The notorious "Civic" and City Shopping Centre are all within walking distance, with lots of reputable skate spots or things to do, and the local skate scene is always fun and welcoming.
Plymouth boasts tourist attractions such as the historic Barbican, Royal William Yard, and Plymouth Hoe. The city also has a vibrant maritime history, a lively arts scene, and a variety of outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for families and friends alike. We look forward to welcoming you!