Iconic Electric Brixton guaranteed protection with asset of community status

Electric Brixton has been made an Asset of Community Value by Lambeth council to protect it for future generations.

Becoming an Asset of Community Value (ACV) means the music venue is subject to additional protection from development under the Localism Act 2011.

The Edwardian building in Town Hall Parade, Brixton Hill has a wealth of history, with a number of legends having graced its stage including The Smiths, The Clash, Kendrick Lamar and Ziggy Marley.

The venue is part of the Electric Group, an independent music company, born and bred in Brixton.

Electric Group co-founder, Dominic Madden, said: “This iconic venue has been operating for more than 100 years, evolving with the times, from the Palladium Picture House, to the ABC Cinema, to the Ace, which was a seminal rock gig and hosted David Bowie, to the Fridge which launched Soul II Soul and the new romantic movement.

“Electric Brixton is hugely valued by Londoners and the Brixton community. We look forward to playing an important role for another 100 years.”

ACV freehold owners must tell the council if they want to sell the asset. If a group wants to buy it, they can trigger a moratorium for six months, to give them a chance to raise the money to buy it.

The freehold owner does not have to sell to a community group, but the ACV listing improves the chances of community groups being able to make the purchase by giving more time to raise funds.

The move will be welcomed by live music fans after the pandemic put six of South London’s grassroots music venues at imminent risk of closing.

A national campaign by the Music Venue Trust was set up to save the venues, but the pressures caused Le QueCumBar in Battersea and Music Room in New Cross and IKLECTIK in Waterloo to permanently close.

Across the UK as a whole last year, two venues closed down every single week, according to an annual report by Music Venue Trust.

Councillor Donatus Anyanwu, cabinet member for stronger communities, leisure and ports, said: “The Electric Brixton is a part of the modern cultural history of Brixton and makes an important contribution to our vibrant town centre’s economy.

“By recognising this institution as an asset of community value we hope to ensure future music fans can enjoy themselves and appreciate the fantastic cultural contribution this iconic live music venue has made to the richness of our borough.”

Pictured top: Electric Brixton, which has been made an Asset of Community Value (Picture: Electric Brixton)