Village Underground secures future with 15-year lease extension

Hackney Council has agreed a 15-year lease with Village Underground, securing the future of one of London’s leading venues.

Since launching in 2006, the East London nightspot has existed as a studio space for 30 artists and start-up business and developed a strong reputation as a site for first-rate music and art events, hosting a number of Mixmag Live parties including Floorplan and Black Coffee.

In the wake of beloved venues such as Plastic People and Dance Tunnel closing down in Hackney over recent years, with licensing conditions noted as challenging for venues in the area, this marks a hopeful indication of improving relationships between clubs and councils.

Recently appointed Night Czar Amy Lamé, who will work on building these relationships, noted: “Over the past few years we’ve lost too many of these amazing venues so it’s vital that we act now to protect the ones we have and to encourage new places to open.”

Speaking about the lease extension, Mayor of Hackney Philip Glanville said: “This is a great example of a local authority working with and supporting a thriving and well-respected local independent venue. We are sending out a strong message about the value of our arts and music venues for the community and local economy, and how as a Council, we will do everything we can to protect them.”

Auro Foxcroft, founder of Village Underground, added that the extension “shows what a progressive local authority [Hackney Council] are and that they truly understand and value the importance of culture and grassroots venues as vital to our city and communities.”

Check out a video celebrating Village Underground’s 10-year anniversary below and head to its website for details on upcoming events.

Patrick Hinton is Mixmag's Digital Staff Writer, follow him on Twitter