Printworks confirms venue is in talks to reopen following site development

Broadwick Live has shared a new statement about the future of Printworks.

The events company has confirmed it is in “detailed talks” with developers British Land about continuing to operate Printworks following the development of its Surrey Quays location.

The plans are not yet certain and the venue is still set to close in 2023 “for a number of years during a period of modernisation”, but Broadwick Live is hopeful Printworks can reopen down the line, noting its commitment to “preserving the essence of the iconic Press Halls and retaining the spirit of Printworks for our return.”

The full statement shared with Mixmag reads: “We’re delighted to confirm that in partnership with British Land we are in detailed talks about our return to the venue following the site’s redevelopment.

“While there is still a detailed planning process that needs to take place before we can 100% confirm our return, we’re now further along in this process than we have been for some time.

“At this point, we can confirm that the venue will close at some point in the New Year, for a number of years during a period of modernisation as planned. As a team we are committed to preserving the essence of the iconic Press Halls and retaining the spirit of Printworks for our return.

“In the meantime, we have every intention of seeing out this chapter of Printworks, in its current guise, in the best way possible as a salute to the legacy of the last five years.

“Thank you for your unwavering support. The backing of our community has been vital in getting us to this point and is crucial to the future of Printworks London.”

Simeon Aldred, Director of Strategy at Broadwick Live said: “In this decisive moment for the future of one of London’s most loved venues, we are humbled and grateful for the support of our community and partners. We have been working hard on an elevated design which protects the raw and original nature of the Press Halls, which we are excited to reveal in due course. We will need your continued support as we enter the planning process with Southwark Council in the coming months.

“The cultural resonance and debate around the future of Printworks only comes to demonstrate the importance of preserving authenticity and culture at the heart of our neighbourhoods and urban redevelopments.”

Roger Madelin, joint Head of Canada Water at British Land, also shared a statement, saying: "Over the past 6 years we have built a terrific relationship with Broadwick Live, and we very much look forward to being able to secure a long term future for culture, business and music with them at the Printworks.”

London’s Night Czar, Amy Lamé, said: “I’m delighted that Broadwick Live and British Land are working together to develop the next chapter for Printworks. This fantastic temporary venue has become a major destination that attracts some of the biggest names in electronic music and visitors from all over the world. I will keep working with them and offer all the support we can to secure an exciting future for the venue.”

The 6,000 capacity venue opened in January 2017 inside the former printing facility for the Metro and Evenign Standard newspaper. It has grown into one of London’s best-loved clubbing spots with its industrial setting complemented by heavyweight DJ bookings and spectacular lighting.

From the start is was intended to operate as a temporary space while redevelopment plans were drawn up, and last year it was revealed that British Land had submitted plans to Southwark Council for “a sustainable office-led redevelopment of the Printworks building”.

The comprehensive application has been made as part of the Canada Water Masterplan (CWM), a £4 billion, 53 acre regeneration project of the area planned by British Land, “in partnership with Southwark Council and the local community”.

In July 2022 it was confirmed that the Southwark Council had approved the plans, leading to outcry from the London club scene and a change.org petition calling for Printworks to be saved which has gained more than 11,000 signatures.

Speaking to Mixmag the following month, London's Night Czar Amy Lamé revealed that Printworks may not be closing after all — alluding to continuing talks involving herself, Broadwick Live and British Land.

The new statement from Broadwick Live indicates those talks are going well, and Printworks is close to securing its future as part of the Canada Water development.

To experience Printworks in its full glory before what looks to be an extended break for the venue starting next year, find details of Printworks’ Autumn/Winter 2022 events here.

Patrick Hinton is Mixmag's Editor & Digital Director, follow him on Twitter