Southbank Skate Space

“# **Southbank Skate Space** Southbank Skate Space is located in the **Undercroft** beneath the Queen Elizabeth Hall building at London's Southbank Centre, serving as the heart of London's skateboarding culture for 50 years and earning legendary status in the skateboarding world. ## **History and Origins** ### **Accidental Beginning** The Undercroft was never originally designed as a skate park. When the Queen Elizabeth Hall was constructed in the 1960s, architects left this concrete space open to the public. The space consisted of concrete ledges, pillars, and stairs, and from 1973, London skateboarders began claiming this area as their own. ### **World's First Continuously Used Skate Spot** Southbank Skate Space currently holds the title of being the **world's oldest continuously used skate spot**. It has been considered the home of British skateboarding culture for over 40 years, with local skaters practicing their skills here daily. ## **Cultural Significance** ### **Space for Artistic Expression** The Undercroft functions beyond just a skating space, serving as a venue for artistic expression. Various activities take place here including: - **Video filming and photography** - **Graffiti art** - **Creative expression through skating** - **Open jam sessions and community events** ### **International Recognition** This space is regarded as a **pilgrimage site and place of prestige** by the global skateboarding community. American pro skater Chad Muska praised it, saying "The essence of skateboarding is what's happening right here... Skateboarding is Southbank." ## **The Fight for Preservation** ### **Long Live Southbank Campaign** When Southbank Centre announced plans to redevelop the Undercroft into commercial facilities in 2013, the skate community immediately mobilized. A grassroots organization called **Long Live Southbank (LLSB)** was formed, launching the "Save Southbank" campaign. ### **Successful Preservation** The campaign achieved remarkable success: - **September 18, 2014**: Southbank Centre and LLSB signed a binding agreement ensuring the space's long-term future - **150,000 statements of support** collected - **33,000 planning objections** submitted - **Support from London Mayor Boris Johnson** ## **2017 Renovation** ### **Restoration Project** In 2017, LLSB and Southbank Centre collaborated on a major renovation: - **New lighting installation** - **Concrete section replacement** - **Reopening of large areas blocked since 2004** - **Recovery of 426㎡ of skate space** ### **Funding Sources** Renovation funding came from various sources: - **Skate brands** like Palace Skateboards and Supreme - **Architectural Heritage Fund** - **London Marathon Charitable Trust** - **Sport England** - **Mayor of London's Good Growth Fund** - **Crowdfunding** ## **Current Status** ### **Thriving Community** Today, the Undercroft buzzes with activity, filled with skaters of all levels and backgrounds. It functions as both part of a tight-knit community and a preserved historical site for the future. ### **Visitor Information** - **Address**: Southbank Skate Space, Belvedere Road, London, UK - **Opening Hours**: 24 hours - **Access**: Beneath Queen Elizabeth Hall at Southbank Centre Southbank Skate Space transcends being merely a skate park, establishing itself as an iconic space representing British youth culture and urban art. Preserved through the community's persistent efforts, this space will continue to serve as a venue for creativity and self-expression for years to come.”

“This patch of concrete ledges, pillars and stairs was simply left open to the public by its architects when it was built in the 1960s – but it quickly became a second home for a community who made it their own. The "Undercroft" as it is now known, and has been unofficially used as a skate park since the 1970's and lays claim to being the world’s longest continually used skate spot.”

“Opened around 1967, Southbank skatepark is the birthplace of British skateboarding and one of the oldest continuously skateboarded spaces in the world. International know by all skateboarders, this skate spot is a part of history. Don’t be surprised if you see a “pro skateboarder” here having a warm up session.”

“Lots of gifted people skating here, why waste money paying for 'talent' on south Bank when you can watch these guys for free!!”