House Of Vans London

July 17, 2014

Free Creative Space To Launch Beneath Waterloo

Skate brand Vans has transformed an area below London’s Waterloo station into a unique creative space. The House of Vans attraction, which is set to open this August, features an indoor skate park, several art studios and a cinema. The 3,000sq metre setting located in the Old Vic Tunnels below the station will host a number activities, artist labs and live events, all free of charge. Described as “unique and participative” by Vans, the concept follows on from the House of Vans Brooklyn, which opened in 2010. Organisers of the permanent venue plan to offer both emerging and established artists the opportunity to create and exhibit work in four dedicated studios, with interactive workshops for visitors. London will receive its first indoor skate park thanks to the initiative, with ramps and bowls catering to all abilities. The tunnel’s 850-capacity gig space has been tipped to host free music performances, as well as live-streamed and crowd-sourced events. Vice President of Marketing, Jeremy de Maillard, described the concept as “the physical manifestation of the cultures and creativity at the heart of the Vans brand.” “London is the perfect city to expand this original concept first established in Brooklyn and it’s an honour to take over this iconic venue from the Old Vic,” he added. Also housing a selection of bars and a café, the space will be affiliated with three charity partners; Old Vic New Voices, Railway Children and Action for Children. The House of Vans London opens on 9th August, and is free of charge to visit five days a week.