From Eviction to Innovation: How a Nottingham Skate Charity Found a New Home and Purpose in Derby
For years, the rumble of skateboard wheels and the clatter of scooters were the heartbeat of a community hub in Nottingham. The House of Skate, a beloved charity dedicated to getting young people active and engaged through wheelsports, had built something special. But in 2023, that heartbeat was threatened with silence. Facing eviction from its long-time home, the charity’s future—and the vital service it provided to hundreds of young people—hung in the balance.
This is the story of resilience, community support, and an unexpected new beginning. It’s a tale that didn’t end in closure, but in a bold move down the A52, where eviction sparked innovation and a skate charity not only survived but found a way to thrive in a new city: Derby.
The Shock of Eviction and the Search for Solid Ground
The House of Skate was more than just a place to skate. Operating from the old Victoria Baths, it was a sanctuary for youth, offering coached sessions, mental health support, and a sense of belonging. Its programs were lifelines, particularly for those who might not connect with traditional team sports. So when the news came that the building was to be redeveloped, the blow was severe.
“We were absolutely devastated,” recalled founder and director Laura Hogg. The immediate challenge was daunting: find a new, affordable, and suitable space in a short timeframe, or face dissolving the charity and its programs. The search within Nottingham proved frustrating, with soaring costs and a lack of available units that could accommodate a skate park.
Faced with a dead end, the team made a courageous decision. If they couldn’t stay in Nottingham, they would take their mission elsewhere. Casting their net wider, they discovered an opportunity in Derby—a city with its own rich industrial heritage and a growing demand for inclusive youth activities.
Derby’s Welcome: A New Home at the Historic Eagle Works
The potential new home was the Eagle Works, a former ironworks factory in the heart of Derby. On paper, it was perfect: a vast, raw industrial space with the character and size to house ramps, street sections, and a community area. But it was also a shell, requiring a monumental effort to transform.
This is where the story shifts from one of loss to one of overwhelming community support. Launching a fundraising campaign, House of Skate was stunned by the response.
- Crowdfunding donors, including former skaters and parents whose children had benefited from the charity, gave generously.
- A crucial grant from the National Lottery Community Fund provided the financial bedrock to make the vision viable.
- Local businesses and volunteers in Derby offered time, materials, and expertise to help fit out the cavernous unit.
The message was clear: both cities wanted this to work. Nottingham didn’t want to lose the charity’s ethos, and Derby was eager to embrace it.
Building More Than Ramps: A Blueprint for a Modern Youth Hub
The move wasn’t about replicating the old setup. It was a chance to innovate. The team envisioned the new Derby venue not just as a skate park, but as a fully integrated youth and community centre. The expansive Eagle Works site allowed for a multi-zone approach:
- A state-of-the-art wheelsports arena for skateboarding, scooters, and BMX.
- Dedicated workshop spaces for music, art, and STEM activities, fostering creativity off the board.
- Calm, quiet areas for one-to-one mentoring, counselling, and academic support.
- A community café to act as a social heart and generate sustainable income.
This holistic model addresses the young person as a whole, recognising that physical activity, creative expression, and mental wellbeing are deeply interconnected.
Thriving Against the Odds: Impact and the Future
The grand reopening in Derby was emotional. Seeing the first skaters drop into the new park was a victory against the odds. But the true success is measured in the months that have followed.
Attendance has been strong, with a new generation of Derby skaters forming alongside familiar faces making the journey from Nottingham. Schools and youth groups are partnering with the charity, referring young people who can benefit from its unique environment. The broader activity program is taking shape, turning the vision of a multifaceted hub into a daily reality.
The eviction, once a crisis, has become a catalyst for growth. It forced a strategic rethink that has ultimately strengthened the charity’s model and expanded its reach. Laura Hogg reflects on the journey with pride: “We were heartbroken to leave Nottingham, but we’ve been so embraced by Derby. We’ve shown that with passion and community behind you, you can turn a setback into a setup for something even better.”
Lessons in Resilience for Community Projects Everywhere
The story of House of Skate’s move from Nottingham to Derby offers powerful lessons for any community-focused organisation:
- Your community is your greatest asset. When faced with extinction, it was the community—both old and new—that provided the funds, faith, and manpower to survive.
- Adaptation is not defeat. Being forced to move led to a reimagining of their physical space and their service model, resulting in a more robust and ambitious offering.
- Collaboration crosses city boundaries. The support from two cities demonstrates that positive impact and goodwill are not limited by postcodes.
Rolling On: A Legacy on Wheels
From the threat of eviction to the innovative buzz of the new Eagle Works hub, the journey of House of Skate is a testament to the power of wheelsports as a vehicle for positive change. It’s a story about protecting spaces where young people can be themselves, take risks in a safe environment, and find their tribe.
Today, the charity is not just thriving; it’s setting a new standard for what a youth sports charity can be. It proves that with resilience and heart, you can build something lasting—not on the shaky ground of uncertainty, but on the solid foundation of a community that believes in the mission. The wheels are still turning, and now, they’re rolling stronger than ever in their new Derby home.
