An application has been submitted to Southwark Council proposing the reopening of Printworks London by 2026. Following the venue’s closure in May 2023, AustralianSuper, one of the UK’s largest pension funds, and British Land hope to redevelop the site in Rotherhithe as a “permanent cultural venue”. Plans propose a 6,000-capacity post-industrial nightclub, occupying half of the existing building, with the remaining space being transformed into offices and shops. Sustainability is also a key aspect of the project, with British Land aiming to salvage as much printing equipment from the old presses used by UK newspapers The Daily Mail and The Evening Standard.
In its six years of operation, Printworks attracted more than 2.5 million visitors, hosting over 300 concerts and 200 film shoots. Additionally, it was named the second-best music venue in the world, behind Manchester’s Warehouse Project. To operate the new venue, both developers are in negotiations with Broadwick, the same electronic music and arts operator that ran Printworks previously. A new rooftop terrace and a smaller performance space, called The Inkwells, have also been outlined.
The application comes amid a crisis for UK live music spaces. The Music Venue Trust (MVT) reported that 2023 was the worst year for venue closures, with 10% of grassroots music venues expected to close by 2023. An MVT report also warned that grassroots gig spaces in the UK were “going over a cliff” without urgent government action and investment from new large arenas. Developers hope to receive planning permission within the next few months. Emma Cariaga, co-leading the project for British Land, said the project aimed to put Printworks on the map globally and deliver a broader programme.
Printworks London, which used to be the printing presses for UK newspapers such as The Evening Standard, is set to become a permanent cultural venue, according to a proposal submitted by British Land and their partner, AustralianSuper, one of the UK’s largest pension funds. The application stated that Printworks London could reopen its doors by 2026. The proposed post-industrial nightclub could have a capacity of up to 6,000 people and would occupy half of the existing building. The remaining space would be turned into shops and offices for around 1,500 workers. The development also aims to salvage as much printing equipment as possible from the old presses used by newspapers such as The Daily Mail
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