Please don’t stop the music: Printworks became an institution after opening in 2017
(Picture: Jake Davis)Printworks will close in 2023 “for a number of years” — but talks to reopen the lauded venue on the same site are currently underway, its owners have confirmed.
Speculation on the future of the 6,000-capacity Canada Water space, which is best known for its large-scale club nights featuring internationally renowned DJs such as Aphex Twin and Peggy Gou, has been rife since news broke earlier this year that plans had been approved to turn the building into offices. An online petition to “save Printworks” generated more than 10,000 signatures.
However, Printworks, which opened in 2017, was only ever meant to be a temporary site while plans for the venue’s redevelopment were being finalised.
In a statement, Printworks owner Broadwick Live said it was “delighted” to be in discussions with developer British Land “about our return to the venue following the site’s redevelopment”.
It continued: “While there is still a detailed planning process that needs to take place before we can 100 per cent confirm our return, we’re now further along in this process than we have been for some time.”
The building — which at one point was a printing facility for the London Evening Standard — will now undergo “a period of modernisation as planned”, Broadwick said, during which Printworks will remain shut. This closure will happen “at some point” in 2023.
However, Broadwick added: “As a team we are committed to preserving the essence of the iconic Press Halls” — the club’s main space — “and retaining the spirit of Printworks for our return.”
Simeon Aldred, director of strategy for Broadwick Live, said he was “humbled and grateful for the support of our community and partners”, adding that “we will need your continued support as we enter the planning process with Southwark Council in the coming months”.
Roger Madelin, joint head of Canada Water at British Land, said: “Over the past six 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.”
Printworks currently has events planned up until December 17, with big-hitting sets from the likes of The Chemical Brothers, Amelie Lens, Ben UFO and Camo & Crooked still to come in 2022.
During Printworks’ upcoming closure, Broadwick will continue with its two newly opened London venues: Dockyards, an open-air space, and The Beams, which will host its inaugural club night this weekend.
