Southbank Skate Space

Steeped in history on Queen's Walk in central London, the Southbank Undercroft is one of the world's most iconic street-skateboarding spots and one of the oldest continuously skated locations anywhere. Although the space itself opened in 1967, skateboarders first began using the Undercroft in 1973, establishing what would become a defining landmark of British skateboarding culture.

The Undercroft came under serious threat in 2013, but following a long campaign led by Long Live Southbank and the wider skateboarding community, its long-term future was secured in 2014. Planning permission for improvements and an extension to parts of the banks and ledges was granted in 2017, with the work completed in 2019.

The latest addition came through a collaboration between Betongpark, Long Live Southbank and Nike SB in 2023–24. Betongpark designed and installed a new granite ledge in the restored section of the Undercroft that had been closed since 2005 and reopened in 2019.

The ledge consists of a single 3 × 1.6 metre piece of Spanish granite, craned into position above a concrete footing. Its concrete base uses a timber-board finish designed to complement the surrounding brutalist architecture of the Southbank Centre.

Positioned under cover and illuminated 24 hours a day, the new ledge provides a dedicated obstacle for skateboarders throughout the year, while fitting naturally into the unique architectural character of the Undercroft.

The project also represents the continuation of a long-standing relationship between Betongpark and Long Live Southbank, helping to preserve and evolve one of skateboarding's most historically significant spaces without losing its original character.

Photos Courtesy of never2old2skateboard 2023