Downing Street saves South Bank skatepark
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By Patrick Welch
Posted: Wed Aug 6 2008 -
Are some government ministers secret skateboarders? We think they must be. Back in January, we reported on rumours that the underpass of the Queen Elizabeth Hall on the South Bank was set to be developed into retail outlets.
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Last month Downing Street responded to the campaign with a statement that read: ‘The Southbank Centre (SBC) is an independent arts organisation and decisions about the undercroft are a matter for them. [But] any activity that engages young people can have a positive impact on society, and the skateboarding community that has grown up around the undercroft has brought together people from various backgrounds, created a vibrant public space and added real value to the lives of many young people.’
London’s skaters are delighted. ‘It’s rad, obviously,’ says skateboarder Ninian Doff. ‘If skaters left the South Bank now, it’d be like the Tower losing its ravens – the place would crumble.’
The next battle for the skaters is to get the area returned to the size it was before the SBC boarded up two thirds of it to use as storage during the redevelopment of the Royal Festival Hall.
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2 comments
Skating at southbank is like skating no-where else. There is a strong sense of community and belonging where everyone feels welcome. Whether you're a sponsored superstar, or have just stepped on a skateboard for the first time, its the best place to be.
The vibe is immense...
THIS IS GREAT, i love southbank and it would be wrong to change it and kick out the skateboarders as it is vital to the uk skate scene.