The Lot Rolls In

The resurging skate scene on the North Coast is getting a push with the launch of The Lot skatepark at Ballito Junction Regional Mall, where a reimagined space, new energy and an international pedigree are drawing skaters back.

Situated in the parking area near the movies’ entrance on level two, The Lot officially opened in April to a lively reception, marking a complete overhaul of the previous facility. The ramps have been rebuilt from the ground up, and the lighting has been significantly upgraded, creating a safer and more dynamic environment for skaters of all levels.

The project is spearheaded by former UK professional skateboarder Ross McGouran, who has relocated to Ballito with his South African wife and their two young children. He began skating in 1995 and turned professional at just 16, spending 15 years competing on the European circuit before shifting his focus to coaching and skatepark development.

Ross first visited the country on skate tours two decades ago, where he met his would-be future wife, a chance encounter that later came full circle when the pair reconnected in London years later.

His involvement in The Lot came about through another unlikely link. While running a skate school in London, Ross met Josh Myers – the original driver behind the Ballito project – when he was teaching Josh’s son. A shared family connection soon emerged, and Ross was brought in to revive a park that was on the brink of closure. He described the venture as more than just a business opportunity. “For me, it’s a passion project,” he said.

Working alongside his longtime friend, Mark Churchill, a former skatepark designer and now a prominent international commentator, he helped design a facility that aims to evolve with its users. Among its standout features is a mobile skatepark component, which allows sections of the park to be transported and reconfigured for different events or skill levels.

The concept is anchored in accessibility. Skateparks can often be intimidating spaces, particularly for beginners, and Ross believes breaking that barrier is key to growing the sport. By offering a scaled-down, flexible version of the park, the aim is to create a more welcoming and inclusive entry point.

Beyond the physical design, he emphasises the broader social value of skateboarding. “Unlike traditional sports, skateboarding is inherently individual and expressive, with no fixed rules or structure,” Ross explains. This, he says, fosters a uniquely supportive environment.

“Because skateboarding is not easy, everyone’s rubbish when they start, and that’s what makes skateboarding so inclusive,” Ross said. Everyone starts at the same level, and the culture naturally fosters connection and mutual encouragement, which helps dissolve social barriers across age, race and gender.

Day-to-day operations at The Lot will include open sessions for the public, alongside structured skate school classes. These lessons follow a step-by-step programme designed to teach skateboarding safely in a supportive setting, drawing from Ross’s experience coaching in the UK.

The facility also includes a retail component with a strong local focus. He notes that skateboarding in South Africa experienced a decline in recent years, with many facilities and shops closing, leading to the disappearance of local brands. However, he sees signs of a resurgence.

The Lot aims to play a role in that revival by supporting emerging South African skate brands, stocking locally produced gear and providing a platform for young entrepreneurs. The approach is intended to make skateboarding more affordable and accessible, while rebuilding the local industry from within.

Now based in Ballito, Ross says the move is as much about lifestyle as it is about legacy. With The Lot, he hopes to help reignite a skateboarding culture in the area, offering a space that is not only functional but community-driven.

Instagram: thelotskatepark
Photo Credit: Joshua Rogers