Former Selfridges hotel converted into Britain's largest indoor skatepark
Selfridges has collaborated with mobile phone company HTC to create a temporary 1,700 square metre skatepark replete with ramps, rails, benches and banks, in the middle of London's West End.
![Former Selfridges hotel converted into Britain’s largest indoor skatepark](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/03/Selfridges-Skate-Park_dezeen_1.jpg)
The HTC One Skatepark, located in the former Selfridges' Hotel behind the flagship store on Oxford Street, reimagines what the shop would like if it was a skatepark.
![Former Selfridges hotel converted into Britain’s largest indoor skatepark](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/03/Selfridges-Skate-Park_dezeen_7.jpg)
The design by creative agency Prime and Fire includes ramps that have been finished in Selfridges yellow and mimic the store's iconic carrier bags. A lipstick and pair of sunglasses have also been reimagined as skateable objects.
![Former Selfridges hotel converted into Britain’s largest indoor skatepark](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/03/Selfridges-Skate-Park_dezeen_2.jpg)
Inspired by landmarks in the British capital, the project incorporates urban references including yellow road markings and exposed concrete beams.
![Former Selfridges hotel converted into Britain’s largest indoor skatepark](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/03/Selfridges-Skate-Park_dezeen_3.jpg)
The designers were also inspired by more specific pieces of street furniture found around the capital including a handrail in Moorgate, a wavy bench near the Thames Barrier that has been appropriated by skateboarders and a marble bank in Euston.
![Former Selfridges hotel converted into Britain’s largest indoor skatepark](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/03/Selfridges-Skate-Park_dezeen_4.jpg)
Nestled amongst the various London-themed skating obstacles is HTC's first-ever concept store, which was opened in conjunction with the release of the Taiwanese technology company's One M8 smartphone this week.
![Former Selfridges hotel converted into Britain’s largest indoor skatepark](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/03/Selfridges-Skate-Park_dezeen_6.jpg)
A cafe has also been installed inside the space, alongside training facilities for first-time skateboarders.
Across the road, Selfridges has created a dedicated skateboard shop called The Board Room. The retail chain commissioned designers such as Erdem, Kenzo and Christian Louboutin to create limited-edition skateboards, which are available to buy.
![Former Selfridges hotel converted into Britain’s largest indoor skatepark](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/03/Selfridges-Skate-Park_dezeen_5.jpg)
There are also one-off designs including a Maison Martin Margiela board which incorporates high-heeled hoof-shaped shoes and a board by Rick Owens that has been made from petrified wood. Roberto Cavalli has also created a leopard-print surfboard as part of the collection.
The temporary facility is open to the public until April 19.