Photo/Illutration This illustration depicts the completed redevelopment of Ariake Urban Sports Park. The green portion shows the Tokyo Games legacy zone, while the orange section shows the multi-purpose zone. (Provided by Tokyo Tatemono Co.)

Riding the excitement created by a local gold medalist, the venues used for skateboarding and BMX events during the Tokyo Olympics are set to become a complex that includes sports facilities, a sauna and restaurants next year.

Ariake Urban Sports Park in Tokyo’s Koto Ward was initially scheduled for demolition after the Tokyo Games, which were held in 2021.

But the Tokyo metropolitan government changed course after skateboarder Yuto Horigome, who hails from the ward, won a gold medal.

Working with private companies, the Tokyo government aims to reopen the park in October 2024.

Before the Games, the Tokyo Olympics organizing committee secured a lease for around 97,000 square meters of land owned by the Tokyo metropolitan government.

It invested about 3.7 billion yen ($27.5 million) to develop the park for hosting the BMX competitions along with the skateboarding events newly introduced in the Tokyo Olympics.

After the Games, the BMX venue was demolished, while the skateboarding venue remained in the park. Skateboarding trial sessions for the public were held there.

Last year, the Tokyo government announced the redevelopment plan, which will divide the park into two areas. One is the Tokyo Games legacy zone where visitors can try out Olympic sports, featuring the skateboarding park, a 3×3 basketball court and a bouldering facility.

The other is a multi-use zone, which aims to create a lively atmosphere in the local community. It includes commercial buildings with a sauna and cafes.

The Tokyo government will redevelop the legacy zone at a cost of around 730 million yen. But it will lease the multi-use zone to private companies for free, which will construct facilities and operate the entire park.

“Leveraging the ideas of private companies in areas where shops will be built will help reduce the government’s expenditure,” said a Tokyo government official.

In March, a consortium led by Tokyo Tatemono Co., a major real estate company, was provisionally selected as the operator after an assessment was made of its proposals.

The company said it will build the commercial buildings, along with an outdoor athletic area for both children and adults, and a 60-meter running track, in the multi-use zone.

However, there is a concern about noise if visitors ride their skateboards on the street leading to the venue, because apartment buildings are located nearby.

“We would like to take measures, taking into account residents’ opinions,” a company employee said.

According to the Tokyo government, the legacy zone is scheduled to open in April 2024, followed by the full opening of the park in October the same year, including the multi-purpose zone. It estimates to attract 80,000 visitors annually.  

Although the projected profitability is not disclosed, the Tokyo government will reportedly receive 3 percent of the net profits.

The Tokyo government plans to develop the Ariake district, where the park is located, while utilizing the Olympic facilities.

After the opening of the park, it is planned to be operated for 10 years and then be demolished.

The Tokyo government said the current plan assumes a 10-year operation, but that could change in light of residents’ opinions.

“It could keep the park in operation (after 10 years), based on the usage and other factors,” a government official said.

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