North Devon couple's vision for an indoor skate and action sports centre

Plans have been put forward for an indoor skateboarding, BMX and scooter centre in North Devon.

Matt and Lindsay Sinclair, a husband and wife from North Devon, are asking residents for their views on a proposed North Devon Action Sports Centre, known as North Devon ASC. They say they are gathering community feedback, assessing demand and exploring potential sites, financial feasibility and a proposed charitable model.

However, they say the project is at an early stage, with no confirmed site, funding package or opening date.

Speaking to the Gazette, they said: “No planning application has been submitted for North Devon ASC, and there is currently no confirmed site, funding package or opening date. The proposal remains subject to feasibility, funding and the necessary approvals.”

The centre would initially focus on indoor skateboarding, BMX and scooters, alongside coaching, school sessions and community activities. The Sinclairs say it would grow in phases as demand and funding allow, potentially introducing a wider range of activities, sports or creativity spaces.

The idea began a few years ago, they said, when they were looking for somewhere to take their children to ride and stay active on wet days.

“North Devon already has some fantastic indoor attractions, but we believe there is room for an action sports hub that complements the brilliant local scene,” they said.

They added: “From riding bikes and surfing badly to introducing our children to skateboards and scooters, these activities have always been part of our family life.”

The couple say they bring that practical understanding, their perspective as parents and professional experience in engineering and project management “to the challenge of turning an ambitious idea into a viable project”.

They said: “Community and charity are at the heart of what we want to do: create a welcoming place for everyone, reinvest surplus into facilities and opportunities, and build something that local people can help shape, feel proud of and enjoy for generations.”

The Sinclairs describe their vision as a place where “people of all ages and abilities come together to ride, try something new, meet friends and enjoy themselves”.

They said: “A safe, welcoming space where families can spend time together, young people can build confidence, and everyone can get involved at their own pace. Somewhere to be active or simply hang out, whatever the weather.”

According to the Sinclairs, young people could find a positive place to spend time and experience the satisfaction of making progress, and families could have an active day out close to home. They say schools, clubs and community organisations could reach people who may otherwise miss out, and adults could rediscover a sport and meet like-minded people.

The Sinclairs say the intention is to establish a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, governed by an independent trustee board, with community benefit at the heart of its work.

They say the financial ambition is to build an organisation supported by a mix of income, including sessions, memberships, coaching, events, café and hospitality services, retail and partnerships. Successful trading would help sustain the facilities and, where financially viable, support affordable access, concessions, subsidised participation and community programmes, they said. Any surplus retained by the charity would be reinvested in its charitable purposes.

The couple also say the centre could bring benefits beyond sport, including local jobs, coaching and training opportunities, volunteering roles and demand for local suppliers. They also suggest it could encourage visitors to come to North Devon and stay longer, particularly outside the summer season.

The Sinclairs say North Devon ASC is currently in what they call Phase 0, which involves developing the concept, testing demand, building the business case and funding, and investigating potential sites.

They said early conversations and community feedback had been “really encouraging”, and that the next step was to turn that enthusiasm into evidence and practical partnerships.

They said there is currently no confirmed site, final design or construction date, and that delivery will depend on feasibility, funding, planning and the necessary approvals. They said: “But there is a clear ambition: to build something North Devon can be proud of, shaped by the people who live here and designed to bring lasting value to the area.”

“We are at the beginning - and local people can help shape what comes next,” they said.

“Right now, the biggest contribution you can make is to have your say.”

They are asking people to complete a community survey on the project’s website, share the proposal and follow North Devon ASC on social media. They also want to hear from anyone with skills, experience or local knowledge who would like to help.

The images released with the proposal are AI-generated concept illustrations. The Sinclairs say they show an early vision only and do not represent a selected site, final design, confirmed facility mix or planning proposal.