In the heart of Bristol, England, a massive, vacant department store has been given a vibrant second life. The ground floor of the former Debenhams, which first opened in 1957, has been temporarily transformed into Shredenhams, an indoor skate park and creative community hub, breathing energy into a space destined for demolition.
From Retail Graveyard to Skate Paradise
The project, spearheaded by the non-profit Campus Skateparks, began in December of last year. The team faced a daunting task: a cold, dark, and empty shell without basic utilities. Tim Noakes of Campus described it as worse than a parking lot. Yet, in just six weeks, they performed a stunning metamorphosis.
Their philosophy was rooted in creative recycling. Forgotten shelving, timber, and other materials left behind were rescued from the trash and repurposed into skate obstacles. "The bottom half of the old escalators got turned into quarter pipes," Noakes told HuffPost. "It's probably the best metaphor for this whole project — taking something built for consumerism and turning it into something playful and expressive." This approach saved money and wove the building's history directly into the new design.
A Temporary Haven with Lasting Impact
The store closed in May 2021 after Debenhams entered administration. Its future was sealed in April 2024 when plans were approved to demolish it and erect a 28-story tower with 500 apartments. The developer then approached Campus for a "meanwhile use" project to activate the space until demolition begins.
"The relationship worked on both sides," Noakes explained. "We got the chance to bring our vision to the high street, and they got an active, community-focused use for a space that might've otherwise sat dormant." The resulting venue is Campus's most socially integrated yet, featuring not just skating but also ping-pong, football, pool tables, pinball, and a café bar.
Community Response and an Uncertain Future
The launch event in June drew 300 skaters and was "absolutely wild." Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, from seasoned skaters praising the layout to first-timers feeling instantly welcome. The space has hosted a graffiti battle, shoe launches, and community days, with plans for live-judged skate sessions and art installations.
A major highlight was the Skateboard GB "Keep Rolling" event for wheelchair and adaptive skateboarders. "Seeing accessible skaters using the space in their own way... that was huge," said Noakes. "It reminded me why we do this."
The park's tenure is uncertain, perhaps 12 months or more. However, Noakes believes proving the concept could open doors elsewhere. "Shredenhams shows that even a dead department store can be reimagined," he argued. "The high street isn't dead, it just needs to change direction." For now, this innovative project stands as a powerful testament to community, creativity, and adaptive reuse in the modern urban landscape.
