Plans for a new venue which takes the reopening of world-famous club Printworks one step closer have been hailed as a “fantastic boost” for south London’s nightlife by a local politician. Proposals for a revamped cultural space, which will include a rooftop events area, at the Printworks site in Canada Water, received approval from Southwark Council last week.
The decision means Printworks nightclub, which was ranked seventh best club in the world by DJ Mag in 2021, could return to the site in a few years’ time. The development marks a surprise comeback for the club, which less than 18 months ago held four days of parties to mark its closure.
Adam Hood, a local Liberal Democrat councillor, said he was “delighted” that the redevelopment, including a new cultural venue, had been approved. Cllr Hood, Member for Surrey Docks, said: “Printworks has always been hugely popular and internationally recognised. Its return will be a fantastic boost to the local economy and nightlife.
“It’s great to see it retain its iconic look to celebrate the area’s heritage, while also including new facilities for others to use during the day. This project is a great example of how we can preserve a much-loved place and provide opportunities for local area.”
Southwark Council previously approved the redevelopment of the Printworks building into offices and shops in 2022, a decision which, unchanged, would have resulted in the loss of the nightclub. At the time, developer British Land said the Printworks building was “critical” to the larger regeneration of the Canada Water site.
But it added that talks were ongoing with nightclub operator Broadwick Live about the creation of a new venue in the resort. The updated application approved last week includes such a premises in the Printworks building. The cultural space will be centered around the building’s press halls, where the bulk of the nightclub was located until May 2023, according to planning documents submitted to the council.
The documents say: “Retention of the renowned Press Halls will be the central catalyst for Printworks’ cultural programme, offering a unique and flexible space for bespoke, large-scale music and corporate events.”
Around 20,000 jobs are expected to be created nearby through the regeneration programme. The Printworks building has been hosting events since 2013. The nightclub of the same name opened in 2017.
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