A former Apprentice contestant is kickstarting a campaign to give a run-down skate park a much-needed makeover ahead of the sport's Olympic unveiling.

Businessman and entrepreneur JD O'Brien has set up a crowdfunder to build "something special" for Swanley at the St Mary's Road Recreation Ground.

Park users have long called for the existing skate park's rough tarmac and tired old ramps to be replaced.

And while skaters are used to grinding out a tumble or two the current facilities are now considered a hazard with protruding metal bars and loose fixtures.

Despite these safety shortcomings, the ramps have served as a place of refuge for returning skaters and BMX riders since lockdown.

Now ex city broker JD O'Brien has stepped in and set up Concrete Wave, a community interest company, to help the park achieve its full potential.

The Kent resident featured on series 12 of the business-style reality game show The Apprentice, but was fired by Lord Sugar in week five after taking the lead on a crowdfunding task.

The irony of that sacking is not lost on the former contestant who is now looking to focus his energy into community-orientated projects.

Following his stint on the show JD carried on developing his own beachwear business but it was his volunteering with organisations such as West Kent Mind and ellenor Hospice that helped shape his next venture.

Originally from London, the business advisor now lives with his wife and three kids in East Peckham, near Tonbridge and says a recreation space of this kind could have a transformative effect.

He believes the skate park project in Swanley would help alleviate some of the mental pressures faced by young people as a result of Covid-19.

“It’s an ideal time to bring something positive to the community” says JD. “Children and teenagers have spent a long hard winter cooped up and isolated.

"We are hoping the skate-park becomes a source of pride to Swanley and a real community asset."

Plans include a beginner's mini ramp for less experienced riders to learn, regular competitions, as well as facilities for wheelchair users and a "girl's only" skating day.

Sevenoaks council's Public Realm commission will also bring together a host of artists to produce original artwork for the park.

St Mary's ward is among the most deprived areas locally and he hopes an expansion of the skate park to include a cafe and other ventures could pay dividends to the local community.

Once established, the dad-of-three hopes to work with partner organisations to run education workshops on site where kids can learn how to make boards and get involved with volunteering and collect litter.

"It is good for the economy," the Concrete Wave chairman adds. "But there are so many different aspects to it.

"When you put skate parks in crime rates go down because the skaters really look after the community."

"We are hoping the skate-park becomes a source of pride to Swanley and a real community asset."

Designer Russ Holbert from Maverick Skateparks, a business specialising in the design and installation of spray concrete skateparks, is on board to “build something special for Swanley”.

“It has been a rotten year and so many kids have struggled," he said.

"Perhaps an initiative like this can make a tangible difference to Swanley children and their wellbeing.”

So far £30,000 has been staked by Swanley Town Council and it has been backed by various park users and businesses.

Chris Chambers of Altar Skate shop in Dartford's Orchard Shopping Centre believes the impact of a new skate park could be "monumental".

"As a community, from a mental health perspective this new facility could provide a vital outlet," he said.

"With a lack of decent places to go this will really help kids get back to enjoying life."

To ensure the project can get up and running, JD and Concrete Wave are asking for a pledge of £1 per person to help meet its fundraising goals.

Any overfunding will be put towards improving the playground next door and adding CCTV and floodlights, JD explains.

"It is hard to get people to dig into their pockets," he adds. "It is not their fault it is just hard facts."

Despite financial barriers amid the ongoing impact of the pandemic he believes it is the "perfect time to do this" with the upcoming Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Skateboarding has experienced a huge surge in popularity, according to Neil Ellis, head of engagement at Skateboard GB, the official governing body of the sport in England.

"Skateboarding is not just a sport, it is a lifestyle, and the buzz is just going to grow following the Olympics"

This year will see the sport go beyond the confines of Tony Hawk's video games as it is recognised as an Olympic sport for the first time.

Schoolgirl skateboarder Sky Brown has propelled herself into the headlines and is helping reshape the image of the competition.

At just 12 she is set become the UK's youngest ever competitor at the Games if she qualifies next month.

"Skateboarding is not just a sport, it is a lifestyle, and the buzz is just going to grow following the Olympics," explains Ellis.

"Swanley is such a great place with a thriving skate, scooter and BMX community, it is a perfect place to cultivate this buzz."

JD added: "With the Olympics it is going to absolutely take off.

"If the skateboarding GB team can win a medal it is likely every kid will want to do it."

Members of the public and corporations are invited to support the initiative via the official platform here.

For more information on the project and details of future fundraising activities, including a chance to name the park and its art click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Dartford