Return of iconic London nightclub takes a step closer

One of London’s most iconic techno nightclubs is coming back.

Music fans were gutted when Printworks – based in Canada Water, London – shut its doors after a triumphant season in 2023.

Night Time Industries Association announced on X yesterday that the famous club, which has seen performers including the Chemical Brothers, Deadmau5 and Aphex Twin, would be back.

‘We’re extremely pleased to hear the news that Printworks officially received planning consent for redevelopment on Tuesday night.

‘This is an extremely positive moment for London’s nightlife and the entire cultural ecosystem of the city. Printworks has long stood as a beacon of creativity and innovation, not just in the UK but globally.’

The venue shut when Southwark Council approved a new redevelopment which would have turned the venue, previously a newspaper printing warehouse, into office space.

Those plans seem to have been rewritten, but it’s unclear when the event space could reopen.

NTIA added: ‘The approval is a testament to the incredible support from the local authorities, community, the music industry, key stakeholders and the dedicated team behind Printworks.

‘With full steam ahead on these exciting plans, we are one step closer to seeing the venue reopen its doors, bringing back the energy, passion and world-class experiences that made it such an iconic space.’

Printworks closing its doors was a major blow to London, which saw over 3,000 nightclubs, bars and pubs in the city permanently shut between March 2020 and December 2023.

The question of whether London is still a ’24-hour city’ was hotly debated earlier this year, after the London Mayor’s office made a bold claim about its status in March.

The post read: ‘London is leading the world in its 24-hour policy with other global cities looking to us for inspiration.’ 

The hashtag #LameLondon then proceeded to trend on the platform, with many users sharing their frustrations at the lack of buzz.

Pictures of signs saying ‘no drinks outside after 9.30pm’ were shared as others called out the fact the Night Tube only runs on Fridays and Saturdays, and on the Central, Victoria, Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines. The Tube also generally runs until around midnight.

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