Rotherhithe’s iconic nightclub Printworks has been thrown a lifeline months after Southwark Council approved plans to turn it into offices.
As part of the Canada Water Masterplan, British Land’s project to build offices and 3,500 new homes, the iconic venue looked set to turn off the lights permanently.
Printworks to close after council approves redevelopment as offices
But Printworks released a statement on Tuesday saying it was “in detailed talks about our return to our much-loved venue”.
Run by event managers Broadwick Live, Printworks wrote on Facebook: “We’re pleased to confirm in partnership with British Land, we’re in detailed talks about our return to our much-loved venue.
“While there is still a detailed planning process that needs to take place before we can 100 per cent confirm the future of Printworks, we’re positive about our future.”
“Thank you for your unwavering support. The backing of our community has been vital in getting us to this point and is crucial to the future of Printworks London,” it added.
The news comes after ravers tabled a mammoth 11,500 signature petition to stop the closure, noting that 22 per cent of London clubs had closed since 2019.
But given that the Council has already approved plans to turn the venue into 405,502m² of office space, some are questioning what Printworks’ return would really look like.
One Facebook commenter wrote: “Don’t get your hopes up, the whole area will be offices and flats without a doubt, with the odd expensive bar dotted around as a leisure/entertainment concession. Certainly no massive nightclub like Printworks.”
Another commenter agreed: “Hmm I’m not sure what to take from this… I’m pretty certain the plans to turn it into offices… I can’t see how you can incorporate a nightclub.”
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British Land has previously hinted that there may be room for a music events space. In July, the developer told the News it “believes that culture will play an important role as part of a new urban centre at Canada Water”.
Amy Lamé, London’s Night Czar, said in a statement: “I’m delighted that Broadwick Live and British Land are working together to develop the next chapter for Printworks.
“This fantastic temporary venue has become a major destination that attracts some of the biggest names in electronic music and visitors from all over the world.
“I will keep working with them and offer all the support we can to secure an exciting future for the venue.”