Storied Edinburgh nightclub to be turned into student flats following demolition 

A legendary Edinburgh nightclub known under many names including The Cavendish (Cav), Lava & Ignite, and later ATIK is being demolished to make way for student housing.

First opened in the 1940s, the West Tollcross venue has remained a staple of Scottish clubbing over the decades until its permanent closure in January 2023.

The venue was known by many names throughout generations, including Outer Limits, Bermuda Triangle and Clouds, before it was eventually purchased by Rekom UK, owners of nightclub brands Pryzm and ATIK, in 2017.

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A few years after the Edinburgh venue was rebranded as ATIK, it was revealed that Rekom UK, who were one of the UK's largest club operators at the time, had called in administrators citing financial issues, casting doubt on the future of its 43 bars and nightclubs.

In photos shared by Edinburgh Live, the storied nightclub now looks to be a pile of rubble as bulldozers have begun demolition of the long-standing building.

Edinburgh Live reports that the site will be transformed into student housing, with 145 flats set to be built in its place. Demolition plans were made in 2024 following approval of the development.

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After opening as The New Cavendish dance hall in the ‘40s, the venue became a popular music hotspot hosting the likes of Pink Floyd, The Jam and The Clash over the following decades, later a popular haunt for dance music acts such as Calvin Harris and Basshunter.

In 2017, the venue famously appeared in Danny Boyle’s Trainspotting sequel, named T2, with multiple scenes filmed inside the nightclub. Watch a scene from the film below.

[Via Edinburgh Live]

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on X