Exploring the House of Vans for the VC London takeover

Written By Chris Shirley MA FRGS

A VC London takeover of the House of Vans was an electrifying collision of two empowering worlds: the rebel spirit of VC London and the creative energy of the House of Vans. Set in the atmospheric tunnels beneath Waterloo Station, the event celebrated freedom, creativity, and inclusivity, blending motorbikes, skateboarding, art, and music into a truly unforgettable experience.

© Images by Hiatus.Design

If you’ve not heard of it, the House of Vans in Central London is an iconic cultural hub located beneath the city's bustling streets, nestled within the atmospheric tunnels of Waterloo Station.

Opened in 2014, it occupies a sprawling 30,000-square-foot space and serves as a dynamic venue celebrating creativity, community, and skate culture. Its creation is rooted in Vans' ethos of supporting artistic expression and grassroots movements.

The venue is divided into five main tunnels, each offering a unique experience. At its heart lies a fully operational skate park, featuring a street course, mini ramp, and bowl, catering to skaters of all skill levels. This makes the House of Vans a haven for London’s skateboarding community, where beginners and pros alike can ride for free.

Beyond skating, the venue is a hotspot for art, music, and film, with dedicated spaces for exhibitions, workshops, and performances. The art gallery frequently showcases works by emerging and established artists, aligning with Vans' dedication to fostering creativity. Meanwhile, the cinema tunnel hosts screenings of independent films, documentaries, and cult classics, often themed around skate culture or youth movements.

 

About VC London

VC London is a women’s motorcycle collective based in the UK, founded to create a supportive and inclusive community for female riders. Established by a group of passionate motorcyclists, VC London seeks to break down barriers in a traditionally male-dominated culture and inspire women to embrace the freedom, independence, and adventure of riding.

At its core, VC London is about building connections among women who share a love of motorcycles and adventure. The collective hosts regular meetups, ride-outs, and events that cater to riders of all skill levels, from seasoned bikers to those just starting their two-wheeled journey. The atmosphere is always welcoming, with an emphasis on encouragement and camaraderie.

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Chris Shirley MA FRGS

About the Author:

Chris is the founder of Hiatus.Design, a cost-effective branding and website design company that works with clients all over the world.

Over the course of his life, he has travelled to more than 60 countries across six continents, earned two Guinness World Records, completed the legendary Marathon des Sables, summited Mont Blanc and unclimbed peaks in Asia, become a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS), rowed across the Atlantic Ocean and obtained a Masterʼs degree in Business Management (MA).

https://www.hiatus.design
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