The Humble Petition of users and fans of the Undercroft skateboard area,
Sheweth,
That it has been the home to British skaters and riders for over 40 years but is threatened by development.
Wherefore your Petitioners pray that your Honourable House take all steps to urge the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to ensure that the Southbank Centre preserves this facility in its development plans.
And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray, &c.—[Presented by Kate Hoey, Official Report, 26 June 2013; Vol. 565, c. 428.]
[P001189]
Observations from the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport:
The Government acknowledge the vibrant addition that the skateboarders of the Undercroft have brought to the South Bank Centre (SBC) for many years.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Basingstoke (Maria Miller), is aware that a planning application has been submitted for the refurbishment of the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room and Hayward Gallery complex. These plans would significantly enhance the amount of space available for arts and education and deliver badly needed refurbishment of these important cultural venues, as well as the public realm in parts of the site.
Decisions about the future of the Undercroft and the skateboarding community within the SBC estate are matters for the local authority and the SBC in consultation with the community.
The SBC was working towards the scheme design and planning stage for its redevelopment, which it reached last month. The planning application was due to be heard by Lambeth in September as well, but the Southbank Board has asked for the application to be put on hold as it would like more time to listen and respond to the most recent set of objections, and to ensure that the plans reflect the needs of as many of the wide range of stakeholder groups as possible. This has been agreed by Lambeth Council.
This Government welcome an approach that allows time both for users of the South Bank to be consulted and for the SBC to work with these groups to find the best way of balancing everyone’s needs.