Corsica Studios confirms 2026 closure, hints at potential future for venue

Corsica Studios has confirmed that it will close "in its current form" in March 2026, though plans are underway for the venue's future.

In a statement shared via Instagram today (October 1), the team behind the beloved Elephant and Castle venue announced that they have “arrived at the best outcome possible for the space,” although to achieve it, “certain things about the building and its current format will have to change.” 

"This will in time, be a refurbished, soundproofed venue with a solid, long-term lease and a range of legal measures that will give the venue protection from any potential noise complaints from surrounding neighbours," the statement continues. 

Sources close to Corsica Studios confirmed to Mixmag on Monday (September 29) that the South London nightclub and music venue will shutter next year, nearly 24 years after it was first opened. 

Corsica Studios confirmed, however, that the news of its closure "is true", with its doors set to close "at the end of March 2026" — hinting at a run of closing parties, which will run from December 31, 2025 until March 29, 2026.

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"There is still much work to be done - and we’re still not sure what our next steps will be - but for now, at least, we’ve decided to end on a high and go out in style," today's statement adds.

While there has been speculation over the cause of the closure, the team insists that Corsica is "not being forced out by the developers or the council," and they are in fact "engaged in constructive dialogue with both parties about any potential future".

In an interview with The Guardian published today, owner Adrian Jones confirmed that - while the venue had not been ordered to shutter by Get Living - the developer behind Elephant and Castle development project The Elephant - a number of new homes, which back onto the venue's smoking area, have led to fears of noise complaints. 

Jones claims that he had been informed by Get Living that Corsica Studios "can stay as long as it wants" but would not be able to "make any noise" past April 1, when the first residents are expected to move in. 

Jones - who co-founded the venue in 2002 alongside Amanda Moss, who passed away in 2017 - confirmed that the venue will be refurbished with soundproofing under a Section 106 agreement at Delancey's cost, before being "handed back" in 2027. 

Corisca Studios' current team will be given "first-refusal" to operate within the first space, however Jones told The Guardian, “with the best will in the world, I’ve been doing this for 24 years in Elephant, and before that in north London getting regenerated every six months, and it’s not great for your mental health."

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“So there’s an opportunity to go: mission accomplished. We can leave knowing that we’ve made a mark, and left the framework for a space in the future. And truly, I think that’s a massive achievement, because you don’t often get a success story like that,” he continues.

In a statment sent to Mixmag, a spokesperson for The Elephant project said: "Corsica Studios has played a unique and much-valued role in London’s cultural scene, and we are committed to ensuring it can continue to do so." 

"We are re-providing an upgraded space, with the required soundproofing and construction works, which will secure the venue's long-term future and is the result of extensive engagement with Corsica Studios and Southwark Council," it continues. 

"The Elephant will be a vibrant destination that celebrates culture and creativity and supports a thriving night-time economy and the doors are open to welcome Corsica Studios back to The Elephant when it opens next year.”

You can read the full statement from Corsica Studios below. 

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on Twitter