THE world’s first purpose-built, multi-storey skatepark has won a clutch of awards for the Dorset business that designed and built it.

The park – containing the only suspended concrete skate bowl in the world – was described by broadcaster Jeremy Vine as a “fantastic project”.

F51 in Folkestone took four years and £17million to build.

Poole-based Maverick Skatepark, which specialises in designing and building concrete skateparks, worked with Holloway Studios, Jenner Group and Ramboll on the structure.

The project was named Outright Winner at the Concrete Society Awards, whose judging panel described the skatepark as “an engineering feat which deserves an award for ingenuity and foresight alone”.

It was also named Civic and Cultural Interior of the Year at the Dezeen Awards, which are voted on by the general public.

The project has also taken a series of design awards including Recreational Architecture Winner at the Architecture Masterprize, Leisure Winner at the Architects Journal Architecture Awards and Recreational Winner in the Built Design Awards.

Russ Holbert, director of Maverick Skateparks, said: “We are delighted F51 is being recognised by our industry peers. It has taken a considerable amount of skill and expertise to create this groundbreaking building. The Maverick F51 bowls are completely unique. They form the structural beating heart of the world's first multi-storey skatepark.

“The two bowls feature a perfect balance of transitional riding terrain. The park provides a truly challenging and legitimate space for the very best in skateboarding. The timeless style of design will excite and inspire future generations of riders.”

Jeremy Vine, broadcaster and host of the Concrete Society Awards, said: “This is a fantastic project. The bowl appears to float in the air. A worthy winner as the most outstanding structure.”

Mr Holbert added: “F51 is a hub for extreme sports – a place where aspiring youth can belong and hone their skills in the centre of town, rather than confined to the fringes. All of our skateparks provide a safe space for children and teenagers to develop independence and push mental and physical boundaries.”

Commissioned by philanthropist Sir Roger De Haan, F51 is part of his ongoing regeneration programme for his home town of Folkestone. The structure houses skateparks across three levels, a cafe, a boxing gym and what is said to be the tallest climbing wall in the south east of England.

Maverick Skateparks has designed and installed more than 150 skateparks across the UK, including Dorchester, Christchurch, Ringwood, the Marsh in Weymouth, Hayling Island, three skateparks in Winchester and the Concrete Waves Skatepark in Newquay.