Crowdfunding appeal launched for South Bank undercroft upgrade

Southbank Centre and Long Live Southbank have launched a £790,000 joint crowdfunding campaign to help raise funds to enable the restoration of the Queen Elizabeth Hall undercroft for skateboarding, graffiti and other free creative activities.

The scheme will also see the creation of a new space for children and young people to take part in learning and creative activities organised by Southbank Centre.

Plans recently approved by Lambeth Council will see the reconfiguration of the existing undercroft space on the South Bank to allow for the extension of the internationally renowned skate space, including improvements to lighting and restoration of some original 1960s banks and concrete paving.

The fundraising campaign will feature a host of special events and collaborations and seeks to raise money from supporters including the international skateboarding community, general public, businesses and philanthropists for the opening of the space, scheduled for early 2018.

Details of the campaign can be found at www.llsbdonate.com

"This is a pioneering project, and it has been great to take our vision and develop something collaboratively with Southbank Centre," said Louis Woodhead of Long Live Southbank.

"We want to create something with great positivity, both for our city's cultural heritage and the prospects of generations to come. If we all come together collectively to support this, a bright future for a space of worldwide importance can be realised."

Southbank Centre chief executive Elaine Bedell added: "This development sees an important new offering for the various communities that regard Southbank Centre as their home.

"We're delighted that our recent friendly collaboration with LLSB has led to the creation of this joint proposal which will allow us to create a new dynamic, fully accessible space for educational learning and participation for children, young people and local community groups whilst maintaining and expanding access to the space that is clearly much treasured by London's skateboarding community."