Parkour (free running) set to leap on to school curriculum

Published: 18 June 2010
by JAMIE WELHAM

A NEW fitness craze that involves athletes scaling buildings, throwing themselves off roofs and jumping on to railings is set to take its place on the school curriculum alongside ­traditional sports in Westminster.

Pupils will be offered classes in the French sport of parkour after planners approved a specialist centre will be based at Westminster Academy in Harrow Road.

The £180,000 facility will mimic the urban landscape, with walls, rails and stairs for pupils to leap between.

Parkour has grown in popularity since featuring in the James Bond film Casino Royale and a number of BBC adverts. 

But its transgressive nature has raised concerns about trespassing and damage to property in central London, leading to the idea of creating a ­specialist area, which will be open to the public as well.

Classes will only be open to ­children aged 11 and over, and nobody will be allowed to use the course unsupervised without a ­proficiency test. 

Councillor Steve Summers, ­Westminster Council’s cabinet ­member for community services, said: “Parkour continues to grow in ­popularity and I’m delighted that we are able to lead the way in providing the country’s first site for our ­residents and visitors to enjoy.

“This will also provide a great way to get people motivated and enthusiastic about the sport while also ­engaging young people in a fun and physical activity that can also help to build their self-confidence.”

Building work will begin in ­October this year and it is expected to be completed by January 2011. 

Last year the council hosted the first accredited Parkour course in the country.