Bristol venue Thekla is under threat from developers

The future of Bristol’s beloved music venue Thekla is under threat “from proposed residential developments across the harbour in Redcliffe”.

Planners are discussing the development of transforming three nearby buildings into homes, offices and a leisure space. The planning committee are expected to meet tomorrow (November 8) to make a decision on the application.

The Bristol Post reports that the approval of the application is looking likely, which could lead to the venue being forced into closure on the grounds of noise assessments.

DHP Family, the owners of Thekla have expressed their concerns over these noise assessments. A previous noise assessment was “woefully inaccurate”, according to the owners.

Thekla’s general manager, Alex Black said: “The decision they take could potentially have a disastrous impact on the Bristol music scene and night-time economy. We’ve seen too many venues fall victim to residential developments and being forced to close”.

Between 2007 and 2015, 35 per cent of grassroots music venues closed down across the UK.

DHP and Music Venues Trust are campaigning for the planning decision to be deferred and to keep the venue open.

Anyone wanting to show their support for the venue is encouraged to post on socials using the hashtag #SaveThekla.

[Via: Crack & Bristol Post]