A NEW skatepark could be built in the city after a successful fundraising event.

Community group Friends of Hove Lagoon announced it planned to revamp the area’s existing skatepark.

Conservative councillor Robert Nemeth, who sits in the Wish ward, is also the founder and chairman of Friends of Hove Lagoon.

He said: “As chairman I am delighted to confirm that the committee was unanimous in backing emerging proposals for a revamp of the Lagoon’s skate park.

“The project could provide an even better facility for skaters but also an opportunity to re-imagine the whole north-western corner of the site.

“We will be playing a large role as the matter progresses.”

So far some initial ideas for the rejuvenation have been discussed by the group.

“Members have said they intend to replace the existing “modular skate park” - which has pieces of equipment sitting on top of a flat surface - with a “single-surface arrangement”.

This would have a raised starting position with a series of features such as bowls, ramps and half pipes.

Councillor Nemeth spoke of the plans during last month’s LagoonFest celebrations.

The fundraiser, which was opened and supported by Hove-based DJ Norman Cook, saw thousands of people head to Hove Lagoon for a day of food and music.

Norman, AKA Fatboy Slim, spoke in favour of continuing to make improvements to the area.

The Right Here, Right Now hit-maker, who own s the Big Beach Cafe at the lagoon, said: “It’s absolutely vital for work on the lagoon to continue.

“My kids have grown up playing here. We want it to stay at the centre of the community.

“The area was quite forlorn when we took the cafe over six years ago. So many improvements have been made since then and it’s great to watch the community grow.”

At LagoonFest last year more than £8,000 was collected to make improvements to the area, and organisers said they hoped to top this total at this year’s event.

Proceeds from LagoonFest will be put towards a planting scheme at Hove Lagoon, and Cllr Nemeth said some of the funds could also go towards the skate park.

But Friends of Hove Lagoon said much of the fundraising needed to support the revamp would have to come from the skaters themselves.