For over 40 years, the South Bank on the River Thames has held a special place in UK and European skateboarding. While London offers plenty of skateparks with better facilities and arguably even street spots with more to offer than Southbank’s relatively sparse assortment of ledges, the history and cultural capital here is huge.
Before the South Bank’s redevelopment, no one ventured here except for skaters and homeless people. Post development, the skaters held their ground against the oppressive South Bank Centre and corporate harassment. With plans now to demolish the area, skaters are again fighting for their iconic patch. Let’s hope they succeed.