Printworks redevelopment cleared with planning approval

Printworks is set to make a comeback in 2026 following Southwark Council's approval for redevelopment plans, as announced by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) on Tuesday evening, September 24.

NTIA’s CEO Michael Kill shared his thoughts on the decision in a statement to Mixmag, saying: “This is an extremely positive moment for London’s nightlife and the entire cultural ecosystem of the city. Printworks has long stood as a beacon of creativity and innovation, not just in the UK but globally."

A post on X reads: "The approval is a testament to the incredible support from the local authorities, community, the music industry, key stakeholders and the dedicated team behind Printworks. With full steam ahead on these exciting plans, we are one step closer to seeing the venue reopen its doors, bringing back the energy, passion, and world-class experiences that made it such an iconic space."

Rumours of Printworks’ potential closure surfaced in October 2021 when property developer British Land put forward a proposal to Southwark Council, aiming to transform the 6000-capacity club into a commercial office complex.

The suggestion faced immediate backlash from the dance music community and beyond, sparking a petition that garnered over 10,000 signatures demanding the plans be abandoned.

In 2022, Broadwick Live announced that discussions were underway to re-establish the venue as part of the site’s redevelopment, though its future remained uncertain when the renovation plans were initially approved in July of the same year.

Printworks officially closed its doors in late April and early May 2023, celebrating its final days with a series of closing parties featuring performances from acts such as Peggy Gou, Bicep, and Black Coffee. At the time, organisers indicated that the venue was likely to reopen in 2026.

An update followed in February this year, revealing that British Land had re-engaged with Broadwick Live, which represents Printworks, to explore transforming the former printing facility into a ‘cultural venue’ encompassing offices, an exhibition space, and a live music venue.

The revised plans were submitted to Southwark Council in February and have now been formally approved. Full details of the planning consent are available here.

The redevelopment proposal includes preserving the club’s iconic Press Halls as a dedicated music venue, while the remainder of the site will be converted into offices and retail units.

It’s anticipated that the Press Halls will also serve as a space for meetings, corporate events, and conferences, with views of the room from the planned workspaces.

The news arrives amid a troubling report from CGA Neilson earlier this week, indicating that the UK has lost 65 nightclubs since the start of 2024, translating to three closures per week — a faster rate than in previous years.

Michael Kill described the situation as an “alarming issue,” warning that it threatens to "jeopardise not only jobs but the very heart of nightlife and culture in communities across the country.”

He concluded his statement on a hopeful note: “This news couldn’t come at a better time as we continue to champion the importance of venues like Printworks in shaping the future of our industry."