Legendary East London venue MOTH Club says it is under 'serious threat' from proposed block of flats
A legendary East London venue has said that they are under 'serious threat’ from a new planning application to build a six-storey block of flats opposite their building.
MOTH Club in Hackney, which is encouraging its supporters to help them oppose the proposal, is a staple of East London nightlife. Part music and comedy club, and part veterans’ society, MOTH Club has an ‘untouched’ feel with its famous gold ceiling and military memorabilia adorning the walls.
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The venue wrote on Instagram that 'any new builds will pose a serious threat to the future of our venue and the gold ceiling'. It is not clear how the flats would impact MOTH Club, but the manager added that there were concerns over noise-proofing issues.
First opened in 1972 the venue is still an ex-servicemen’s club but has now become a popular venue for East London indie bands and performers. They host club nights such as Deptford Northern Soul Club and 80s night Dancing in the Dark.
The planning proposal would see a six-storey block of flats built opposite the night club, with a commercial unit on the ground floor. The proposal would also involve the ‘demolition of existing buildings’.
The venue posted to their Instagram to call on their supporters: “To any Hackney based MOTH Club lovers out there, we're calling for your support to object to a recent planning application for new flats being built opposite the venue on Morning Lane.
“As well as hosting live shows, comedy, film and club nights MOTH has been in existence since 1972 as an ex-serviceperson club and is still used by MOTH members regularly with monthly meetings held in their private meeting room in the upper parts of the premises.
“Any new builds will pose a serious threat to the future of our venue and the gold ceiling!”
'We wouldn’t be able to completely noise-proof that section'
Edie Andrews, general manager at MOTH Club, told TimeOut: “We feel the block will create a real shadow over the venue.
“We put real effort into communicating with residents and try to keep our noise proofing as up to date as we can, but without disrupting the integrity of the space, we wouldn’t be able to completely noise-proof that section.”
One person commented on the venue’s Instagram post: “Your venue is a treasure of the borough. Good luck, I’m sure good sense will prevail.”
Another said: “I'm a super local resident (Morning Lane) and work at two Hackney venues so I'm keeping fingers and toes crossed for you.”
You can view the application here.
Got a story? Please get in touch at katherine.gray@reachplc.com
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