Southwark

Printworks Mark II promises to be even better as cultural hub

By Robert Firth, Local Democracy Reporter

Plans for a new venue which brings the reopening of world famous nightclub Printworks a step closer have been hailed as a ‘fantastic boost’ for South London’s nightlife.

Proposals for a revamped cultural space, which will include a rooftop events area, at the Printworks site in Canada Water, received approval from Southwark council last week.

The decision means Printworks, which was ranked seventh best club in the world by DJ magazine in 2021, could return to the site in a few years.

The development marks a surprise comeback for the club, which less than 18 months ago held four consecutive days of parties to mark its closure.

Adam Hood, a local Liberal Democrat councillor, said he was “delighted” that the redevelopment, including a new cultural venue, had been approved.

Cllr Hood, member for Surrey Docks, said: “Printworks has always been hugely popular and internationally recognised. Its return will be a fantastic boost for the local economy and nightlife.

“It’s great to see it retain its iconic look to celebrate the heritage of the area, whilst also including new facilities for others to use during the day. This project is a great example of how we can preserve a beloved venue and bring opportunities to the local area.”

Southwark council previously approved the redevelopment of the Printworks building into offices and shops in 2022, a decision which if unchanged would have resulted in the loss of the nightclub. At the time developer British Land said the Printworks building was ‘critical’ to the larger regeneration of the Canada Water area.

But it added that talks were ongoing with the nightclub’s operator Broadwick Live about the creation of a new venue in the locality.

Before and after, if it all goes to plan. The Printworks interior (left) and the transformed look (right) (Pictures: Southwark council)

The updated application approved last week includes such a venue in the Printworks building. The cultural space will be centred around the building’s press halls, where the main section of the nightclub was located until May 2023, according to planning documents submitted to the council.

The documents state: “The retention of the famous press halls will be the central catalyst for the Printworks cultural programme, offering a unique and flexible space for bespoke, large-scale music, and corporate events.”

The press halls, which feature 16m-high ceilings, were at the heart of the Printworks building when it was used to print newspapers including the Daily Mail and Evening Standard before 2012.

British Land is redeveloping an area roughly the size of 39 football pitches around Canada Water, including Surrey Quays Shopping Centre, Surrey Quays Leisure Park and the Printworks building, which is also known as Harmsworth Quays Printworks.

Around 20,000 jobs are expected to be created nearby through the regeneration scheme. The Printworks building has played host to events since 2013. The nightclub of the same name opened in 2017.

Pictured top: CGI of how the Printworks could look after development (Picture: Southwark council)

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