London’s Space289 announces closure due to rent increase

London’s Space289 has announced it will permanently close due to rent increases, according to an Instagram post shared on Wednesday 13th July. 

The statement explains that American investment bank Blackstone, which bought the freehold for the Victorian archway that houses the venue from Transport for London in 2019, wants to more-than-double monthly rental costs for the space. The venue states that legal action was initiated to stop this happening, but the lengthy nature of court proceedings, and mounting costs, has now forced their decision to cease trading. The team have made it clear they “hope to return in some form” in the future. 

The 200-capacity venue opened in November 2019, with an emphasis on showcasing diverse British electronic music. A Body Hammer party launched the Cambridge Heath address, and the likes of Medallion Man, Rommek, and SHYGIRL played during the first month.

Reopening last July with an impressive lineup including Qendresa, RADA, and OK Williams, the venue went on to host the likes of Manni Dee, Space Afrika, Flora Yin-Wong and many more.