Opening of Whites Grounds Skatepark

The project is located in a disused railway arch which was previously a little-used highway in a very poor state of repair with poor lighting, leaking walls, graffiti and flytipping creating a real fear of crime.

This project will create a new resource for 11-16 year olds in the Bermondsey area (but will be open for all ages), and contribute to the physical improvement and perception of the spaces underneath the huge railway viaduct.

An extensive consultation exercise was carried out, including a transformation event when the road was closed for a day, a stage was built, sport was played, and food was cooked.

A local firm (Dive architects) was appointed to work with the local community to determine an-end use for the space. The architects won an award for RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) for the 2nd best unbuilt design in London

The project forms part of a programme called Light at the End of the Tunnel to reduce barrier effect of viaduct and spaces next to the viaduct

1pm to 1.30pm
Introductions & ribbon cutting
1.30pm to 2pm
Refreshments and demo sessions by expert skaters
2pm to 3.30pm
Best tricks sessions and prize giving
3.30pm to 4pm
User registration
4pm to 6pm
Open skater taster sessions