NEWS
EVENTS
Southbank Undercroft saved!
Other | Friday 19th September 2014 | Fiona
This is not only amazing news for skaters, but for all people who care about the preservation of unique urban places and the fight against gentrification. It took the Long Live Southbank initiative 18 months, a huge campaign, and countless supporters to finally say: the Southbank Undercroft is saved! As announced Thursday afternoon, the Southbank Centre and the initiative came to an agreement, and both parties withdraw from taking legal actions. Skaters will keep rolling in the legendary and tradition-steeped undercroft of the Southbank Centre. Or, as it says in the official statement, the space will stay “open for use without charge for skateboarding, BMX riding, street writing and other urban activities”.
In 2013, the Southbank Centre had announced plans for a £120m redevelopment project that involved filling the undercroft with retail and other commercial units. Naturally, this aroused opposition, as people wouldn’t let the destruction of a cultural urban area with 40 years of history happen just like that.
The support that Long Live Southbank received was indeed massive, thanks to the effort and lots of blood, sweat and tears. People donated, released videos, became members of LLSB, volunteered, bought merchandise, and wrote letters to the centre about the cultural importance of the skating area. Just a few day ago they published a photo book which wonderfully depicts the greatness that is the undercroft and its art.
Several companies associated with the skateboarding scene spoke out in favour of the undercroft, and even London’s mayor backed the preservation of the space. Skating legend Chad Muska came around, reminiscing about legends skating there and emphasising that it’s not just some skating area, but a true inspiration for young people.
Next in line for the undercroft are some urgent repairs and maintenance, for which luckily the Arts Council England pledged £16.7m towards the £24m cost.
Long live Southbank!
