Havering London is partnering up with ROM skatepark to host a celebration titled Skatepark Revived.
ROM skatepark is the only Grade II list skatepark in the world and to celebrate its history, two artists are working with local young people to produce a short film and a community mural.
The premiere of the film and the unveiling of the permanent mural will be on Saturday 25 July, alongside live music, an open-air screening of Back to the Future and plenty more.
Owner of Lawker Media Adam Whitaker has been skating at ROM since he was 11-years-old. He co-produced the short film with Strong Island Media and local youngsters.
He said: “We were blessed with the crew that we got.
“All of them were working through their GCSEs and A-Levels but were still instantly engaged from day one.
“This project is theirs.”
When asked about what he wants to get out of this event, Whitaker said he wants people to know that the skatepark is there first and foremost.
“We have so much love for ROM and we know what it did for us in our youth,” he said.
“We want to keep it going forever.”
Havering London is a new cultural placemaking organisation that emerged from a collaborative bid for London Borough of Culture.
Skatepark Revived is part of Havering London’s A Good Life project, which is a three-year strategy that seeks to embed culture at the heart of everyday life.
General manager Charlotte Handel said: “People aren’t always aware that events like this happen in Havering.
“But Havering is a place where culture can happen.”
Scott Irving (who is also known by the name Scotty Brave) teamed up with local youngsters to create a community mural.
The graffiti artist, teacher, mentor and youth worker from Essex advocates for achieving positivity through a shared passion for art.
Adam and Scott both used to skate at ROM when they were children but didn’t cross paths until they were in adulthood.
Whitaker said: “Working alongside Scott has been a dream.
“He is the busiest artist in Essex, but so easy to work with.”
ROM being a heritage listed building means it is recognised by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of English Heritage as “nationally important and of special interest”.
It also means that it can never be demolished.
Skatepark Revived is also part of Havering Unearthed, a programme funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England, Romford BID, Arts Council England and London Borough of Havering.
And Havering Unearthed belongs to Havering London’s A Good Life project.
Everyone is encouraged to come to Skatepark Revived dressed as their favourite Back to the Future character.
The under-16s skating session is free and the evening screening tickets start from £6.
Tickets can be found here.
Featured image credit: Alexander Londono via Unsplash
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