Car parks are a mainstay of British skateboarding. When the weather takes a turn for the worst, car parks provide a sheltered place for people to skate. As well as this, many car parks are serendipitous skateparks, complete with grind-able curbs, manual pads, and flat banks. This makes them perfect all-weather skate spots.

Of course, car parks are often off-limits. They can be hazardous places to skate, owing to the cars that come and go. Hence, Hammerson Plc (owners of Cabot Circus) approached CANVAS with a strong vision of a free-to-use car park space that is safe and sanctioned for skateboarders to use.

As skatepark and public space specialists, CANVAS were commissioned to realise this vision. The result was a week-long car park takeover that attracted both skateboarders and non-skateboarders alike. The space accommodated an assortment of activities, including free skateboarding lessons (by Campus and Route One), art installations (with Upfest), live art displays (from the likes of Mr Penfold), and even a vintage clothing sale! The event culminated with the Red Bull Curb Kings competition, the first of its kind in the UK.

CANVAS’ vision for the design was to retain the authentic car park aesthetic whilst creating a range of perfect, bespoke obstacles. The result is a dream car park complete with long painted curbs, manual pads, ledges, rails, and kicker ramps – all within a sanctioned space.