Berlin nightclub Cassiopeia given two weeks to leave premises by landlord

Berlin nightclub Cassiopeia has been given two weeks to vacate its current premises in Friedrichshain after being served an eviction notice by the site’s owner.

According to RBB, the venue – which is situated at RAW-Gelände, an industrial complex featuring dozens of cultural spaces – would face bankruptcy if forced to leave.

It comes amidst reports that the site’s owner, Kurth Group, has "demanded" that those cultural spaces should leave their premises after accusing them of failing to pay rent and using the space for "other purposes", per RBB.

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Kurth Group also reportedly declared its zoning plan process a failure, a procedure that dictates what can be built, developed and preserved in an area.

According to The Berliner, the development of the site has been under dispute for years following Kurth Group’s revealed plans to turn the area into a commercial and residential one.

An L-shaped section of the RAW site, home to Cassiopeia and over 80 projects such as a skate park and artist studios dubbed "sociocultural L", is now in danger.

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Cassiopeia’s managing director Florian Falkenhagen told RBB that the closure of the venue would also impact its neighbouring spaces as it acts as the “anchor” of the site. Berlin’s Senate and district office have criticised Kurth Group’s decision.

The venue is now attempting to negotiate the deadline and ensure that staff are treated fairly, despite the outcome. It’s unclear whether any progress has been made.

In a statement shared in an Instagram story yesterday (via Resident Advisor), Cassiopeia thanked its community for their support, and said it is “not giving up” just yet.

[Via RBB]

Gemma Ross is Mixmag’s Associate Digital Editor