It was announced earlier today that the iconic South Bank skate spot in London has been saved. The South Bank, reputedly the oldest active skate spot in the world, has been threatened with closure for almost a year and a half following plans to redevelop the area.
However, campaigners including Long Live South Bank have successfully appealed against the plans to turn the classic spot into retail units, it was announced earlier today.
The South Bank, or The Undercroft, to give it it’s proper name, was first found by skateboarders back in the mid 1970’s. Since then, it’s been a hub of skateboarding, BMX riding, and urban culture, much loved by people from around the world. On any given night of the week, hoards of tourists stand on the edge of the South Bank, having stumbled across it while visiting the Thames
A joint statement released by both Long Live South Bank and South Bank Centre Secure Future Of Undercroft For Skateboarding And Urban Activities read:
Following talks that have taken place over the last three months, Long Live Southbank and Southbank Centre are delighted to have reached an agreement that secures the Queen Elizabeth Hall undercroft as the long-term home of British skateboarding and the other urban activities for which it is famous.
The agreement has been formalised in a binding planning agreement with Lambeth Council. In the agreement, Southbank Centre agrees to keep the undercroft open for use without charge for skateboarding, BMX riding, street writing and other urban activities
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