THE HIDDEN SKATING GEMS IN NOTTINGHAM
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Market Square
The Market Square based in the city centre of Nottingham is still used by skaters today. The large concrete ground in front of the town hall is a perfect area to meet and skate. It used to be It used to be the main hub for skateboarders back in the 80s and 90s. At weekends the square would be packed with skaters from neighbouring cities to visit the centre of the skateboarding scene. This buzz was then lost after the square was redeveloped into a flat open space, losing the character which was loved by the skaters of Nottingham.
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Forty-Two
After losing the buzz around the Market Square two local skateboarders decided to open a skate shop to try and revitalise the skating scene again. Since opening in 2011 they have supported new skaters, supplying the latest equipment and clothing. But also, by running skating events around Nottingham, one being Sunday Circuit which are competitions that take place in a variety of skateparks around the city.
Not only are they an independent, locally run business, they are supporting the next generation in Nottingham’s creative quarter. With both owners being skateboarders, they are full of all the knowledge about the skateboarding world as well as the knowing the places for the best skating scene.
The Forty-Two store is filled with the latest skateboards, covering the entire walls of the store. Vans and Converse are lined up on shelves in one corner, surrounded by trendy skateboarding wear from all the top brands. Lots of the clothes are heavily logo based, brands being noticed through a significant symbol. The whole store is full of vibrant colours reflecting the bold colours used in graffiti. Without this shop Nottingham’s skaters wouldn’t be drawn back into the city centre. Forty- Two has brought back the skating scene increasing the skateboarding community in Nottingham. If you’re new to Notts Forty-Two should be on your list of places to visit.
For more info go onto the Forty-Two website: https://www.fortytwoshop.co.uk/
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Sneinton Market
Sneinton Market has become the new hub for skateboarding after the redevelopment of the Market Square. There are always a group of skaters hanging out in this area, practicing new tricks as well as chilling with people with the same interests. The market was redesigned with the skaters in mind. There are ramps, stairs and rails the perfect skateboard park in a central location in the city. You will never go down to Sneinton market without seeing someone skate past you, the sound of wheels is everywhere.
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Malibu Dogbowl
The Malibu Dogbowl was a famous skate park in the late 70s. It was built inside an unused cinema in Nottingham, back then it was the place to be if you were in the skateboarding scene. It was a simple indoor skatepark which was used by many people. It doesn’t exist anymore; however it was one of the key skatepark which drove in skateboarders from around the country.
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