The Story of Shredenhams

The Story of Shredenhams charts the journey from grassroots skateboarding culture to the creation of a bold new urban sports hub in the heart of Bristol. This presentation tells the tale of how a disused Debenhams department store—once a symbol of traditional retail—has been transformed into Shredenhams, a temporary but radical indoor playground for skaters, creatives, and the local community.

At the heart of the story is Campus Skateparks, a social enterprise born in Bristol that’s been instrumental in shaping the city’s skateboarding scene. From the opening of Campus Pool—a skatepark built inside a former swimming pool—to Campus Park and now Shredenhams, we’ll explore how the Campus team has continually reimagined neglected urban spaces into thriving cultural centres.

This talk delves into the values, hustle, and DIY ethos that built Shredenhams: how a team of skaters, builders, and believers came together to breathe new life into Broadmead, champion youth culture, and create a space that blends sport, art, and social impact.

Whether you’re into skateboarding, urban regeneration, or creative placemaking, this is a story about building community—one obstacle, one idea, and one repurposed building at a time.