South Bank skate park
While the Dogtown renegades were bailing out swimming pools to skate the concrete waves in California during the early 70s, their London counterparts were discovering their own unintentional skateboarding mecca.
Located in the dimly lit Queen Elizabeth Hall undercroft, the graffiti-covered concrete ledges, stair sets and smooth banks combine to create London’s most distinctive spot.
In 2008, Downing Street announced plans for new restaurants and shops in the area. The skateboarding community stepped up with the “Save South Bank” campaign. Recognising the positive impact it has on London youth, the government stopped its plans to renovate the undercroft, saving South Bank – for now, at least.
Under Queen Elizabeth Hall
Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XTB
Tube: Waterloo
-Erin Chack
