Rush Skatepark, one of Europe’s biggest indoor facilities located in Brimscombe Port, will close in August, the owners have confirmed.

Jerry and Michelle Norman, who opened the skatepark in 2013, said they will cease trading on August 29 in a social media post.

Their tenancy ends as Stroud District Council move on plans for a £2.9m development of the port, which were drawn up before their contract with Rush was signed.

In a statement on their website, Jerry and Michelle said: “As many of you will know we have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep Rush Skatepark at Brimscombe Port and we would like to thank those of you who signed the petition, wrote appeal letters to the Council and have offered assistance to help in our quest to find new premises.

“Unfortunately, despite our pleas the council refuse to allow us to stay at Brimscombe Port whilst a developer is found. “It is therefore with great sadness that we must inform you our last day of trading will be - Sunday 29th August 2021.

“Session bookings will be taken on a two weekly basis (this also includes lessons). Hopefully from 19th July, when restrictions are relaxed, we will be able to hold a few events to celebrate the last 8 ½ years trading at Brimscombe Port. However, session bookings and lessons will continue to be on a two weekly basis until closure.

“Don’t worry we will continue our quest to find new premises and hopefully in the future there will be an even better Rush Skatepark.

“We would like to thank you all for your continued support.”

Over the past four years, the owners have viewed 15 potential new sites in Gloucestershire but they were unsuitable.

A Stroud District Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of the latest message that the operators of RUSH Skatepark have sent to their members and we know there are a lot of strong feelings around the matter.

“The Council remains committed to supporting RUSH find alternative premises, as we understand the importance of such a facility for everyone, particularly young people in our district.

“We are working with Active Gloucestershire to provide them with extra support to help find the premises they need.

“The offer of a site at Stratford Park subject to funding and planning consent was made three years ago and still stands.

“Tenancies at Brimscombe Port are temporary because the council and our partners have a vision for a low carbon development incorporating wider canal regeneration, creating jobs, community and enterprise opportunities, nature recovery, new industries and a nationally-important destination for canal tourism at Brimscombe Port.

“Tenants have been aware of the terms of the leases for several years, and the most recent, and final, extension offered was until the end of June.

“The Council has already committed £1.16million to make the site ready for a developer, £2million has been committed by Homes England, £776,000 from the Government One Public Estate fund, and planning permission for a canal basin and highways infrastructure has been approved.

"Once a developer is agreed upon, a planning application for the development will be worked on. For more information visit: stroud.gov.uk/environment/brimscombe-port."