London Rom skatepark given listed status Published duration 29 October 2014

media caption Rom Skatepark owner John Greenwood shows off some of its features

A London skatepark is to become a listed building - the first of its kind in Europe to be given protection.

The Rom, built in Hornchurch, east London, in 1978, was designed by Adrian Rolt and G-Force.

It is the best example of a small number of skateparks that survive from the 1970s, according to English Heritage.

English Heritage designation director Roger Bowdler said: "It gives the whole idea of heritage an extra twist."

image copyright PA image caption The skatepark been listed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of English Heritage

image copyright PA image caption The Rom was built in Hornchurch, east London, in 1978

The Rom, which will be grade II listed, is the second skatepark in the world to be given the protection. The first was the Bro Bowl in Tampa, Florida, which was added to the US National Register of Historic Places in October 2013, according to English Heritage.

The Rom, which takes its name from the nearby river, was built using seamless pressurised concrete and is closely based on Californian skateparks.

image copyright English Heritage image caption It is used for a mixture of skateboards, BMXs and kick scooters

It has been listed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of English Heritage.

"The Rom is the finest example in England to this aspect of youth culture, and we are delighted its special interest will be protected for future generations through listing." Mr Bowdler said.