The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson has today (Wednesday, January 15) indicated that he supports plans to redevelop the Southbank Centre – but only if the skate park which is based in the building’s undercroft is retained.
The Southbank Centre hope to extend the building by Waterloo Bridge and construct a ‘Festival Wing’ and glass pavilion to accommodate new and improved arts and cultural space.
Their plans would see the skate park, which has been in the undercroft since the sport first started in England in 1976, moved 120 metres up-river under Hungerford Bridge.
However, at a preliminary planning meeting today, The Mayor Boris Johnson said: “I wholeheartedly support the principle of enhancing the world-class cultural facilities at the Southbank Centre and am encouraged by many of the aspects of their plans. However, redevelopment should not be at the detriment of the skate park which should be retained in its current position.
“The skate park is the epicentre of UK skateboarding and is part of the cultural fabric of London. This much-loved community space has been used by thousands of young people over the years. It attracts tourists from across the world and undoubtedly adds to the vibrancy of the area - it helps to make London the great city it is.”
The planning application to redevelop the Southbank Centre will eventually be considered by Lambeth Council before it is referred back to the Mayor.