The Centre of the Universe | Bute Square Documentary

Join us in celebrating the legacy of Cardiff's most beloved skate spot, Bute Square, as Nick Richards chats to a load of local legends about what the place means to them and what the future could (and should) hold.

After over three decades at the forefront of Welsh skateboarding, the fences have officially been put up and it seems like the long-dreaded destruction of our beloved Bute Square is finally upon us - but that doesn't mean we're gonna let it go without a fight! In honour of the countless hammers landed, beers sunk and good times enjoyed on those iconic red bricks, our good mate Nick Richards has been hard at work putting together this new Bute Square documentary, appropriately titled 'The Centre of the Universe', so that even if it's gone, it'll never be forgotten.

Comprised of interviews with a load of Cardiff legends from across the generations, including Noni and Lona Gordon, Jack Branch, Mike Ridout, Guto Williams, Harry Deane, Jowan Joyce-Richards, Christian Hart and Matthew Popek, alongside footage from our last jam at Bute, the documentary is the ultimate celebration of just how much this relatively unloved piece of land means to our community. Whether they're escaping the stresses of every day life or trying to build friendships, Nick has managed to showcase the crucial role Bute Square has played for skaters of all ages. 

But not only is 'The Centre of the Universe' a celebration of Wales' most iconic skate spot, it's also a plea for help. Bute Square isn't just a place to practice your kickflips; it's a meet-up spot, a place to socialise and make new friends, a sanctuary amidst the chaos of the city where you don't have to worry about being told you don't belong. It's hard to imagine what the Cardiff skate scene would be like without it, and it's even harder to feel optimistic about it. While we're obviously grateful to have several new skateparks to enjoy, the city is in desperate need of safe and accessible skateable spaces in the city centre, much like what Bute Square has offered for the past 30 odd years...

Cardiff Council's Skateboard Amenities Strategy does make mention of providing 'skate-friendly zones' around the city centre and there's no better opportunity for them to put their money where their mouth is than to incorporate skateboarding into the redesign of Callaghan Square, especially given the significance this space has had for so many of us over such a long period of time. We're hoping that the Council will be able to see this documentary so that they can better understand just how much the Cardiff skate scene relies on this space and ultimately give the people what they want, but to do that we need your help too! Show your mates, tell your family, share it on social media; it'll all help spread the word and hopefully help make sure that we end up with a new place to call the Centre of the Universe!

As a sidenote, Nick's also been busy trying to oppose the construction of a data centre near his home in East Cardiff and if this is something you're also against you can check out the Save Cardiff East website to find out how to object to it!

That's enough chit-chat though. Head to the shop to browse the latest skateboard decks, clothing, shoes and more, and buy now from CSC. Or, find out more news about the Cardiff skatepark plans on the CSC Blog. Safe.