The world's first purpose-built, multi-storey skate park will finally open to the public in April after years of delays.

First announced in 2015, the F51 urban sports centre in Folkestone will be home to three skating floors, the tallest climbing wall in the south east and the world's first suspended concrete skating bowls.

Today the centre's operator, The Sports Trust, has revealed that the striking building will officially open on April 4.

The £17 million project has been beset by challenges as the complexity of the build, and the impact of external events such as Brexit and the pandemic, caused the opening date to slip back time and time again.

A number of celebrities have backed the ambitious project, with American rapper MC Hammer, most famous for the 1990 hit single 'U Can't Touch This', tweeting his support for the plans back in 2015.

Pro skater Bam Margera, best known as part of the prank-happy Jackass crew, also gave the skate park his backing when the scheme was first unveiled seven years ago.

Alex Frost, the F51 project officer, said: "After a series of unfortunate delays, we are proud and excited to announce the imminent launch of F51.

"This multi-action sports facility is both revolutionary for not only the local scene, but for skate park and climbing enthusiasts all over the UK.

"F51 will solidify Folkestone's place within the global skateboarding and climbing scene."

The Sports Trust, previously known as the Shepway Sports Trust, is determined to ensure the new facility - which is likely to attract visitors from around the world - is also accessible to young people locally.

A low-cost membership for under-16s at the charity's partner schools in the Folkestone and Hythe district will grant them after-school access to the skatepark floors once a week, from Monday to Thursday in term time, for just £1 a month.

The bowl floor, located on the first level, features two suspended concrete bowls, while on the two upper floors the street and flow floors are designed for both beginners and experienced skaters to practise street and transition skating.

A boxing gym will be home to the Folkestone Amateur Boxing Club, while climbers will be able to test their skills on the tallest wall in the region.

Dan Hulme, chief executive of The Sports Trust, said: "We are incredibly honoured that The Roger De Haan Charitable Trust has gifted this world-class building to The Sports Trust and we are excited to bring this extraordinary venue to life.

"As a charity that has been working in Folkestone for over eight years to create inclusive and inspiring environments for people to love sport, we are confident that F51 will bring enviable opportunities and experiences to local people for generations to come."