London's Rom Skatepark to Become a Listed Building

One of Britain’s oldest skateparks, The Rom is set to become Europe’s first skatepark to be listed. The skatepark has become the second skatepark in the world to be given protection, following the Bro Bowl in Tampa, Florida, which was listed in the US National Register of Historic Places in October of last year. Heritage Minster Ed Vaizey believes that, “Its listing at Grade II is testament to its design and also highlights how the UK’s unique heritage reflects all parts of culture and history.” Originally constructed in 1978, The Rom was given its name from a nearby river and was modelled after several Californian skateparks. Only a few skateparks including The Rom still survive from that era.