Fabric nightclub set to reopen its doors if it clinches deal with Islington Council

Superclub: Fabric nightclub in Farringdon
Sarah Ginn/PYMCA/Rex
Robert Dex @RobDexES18 November 2016

Fabric could reopen its doors amid reports the nightclub’s owners and Islington council were in discussions about a rescue deal.

The nightspot closed earlier this year after its licence was revoked following the deaths of two teenagers after taking drugs at the club.

Now lawyers for the club and the council are said to be in advanced discussions aimed at agreeing licensing conditions which would allow the Farringdon venue to reopen.

The club’s owners are expected to appeal the closure decision in court on November 28 unless a deal can be reached beforehand.

Neither side denied talks are taking place.

Fabric co-owner Cameron Leslie told the Islington Tribune: “I’m not at liberty to say whether [discussions] are being had or not.”

A deal could be reached next week if the parties are able to get a judge at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court to rubber-stamp the agreement.

Councillors withdrew the club’s licence after police described it as a “safe haven” for illegal drug use.

Fabric’s owners rejected the claim and have submitted a 155 page manual setting out how it could be run if it reopens, including 32 new licensing conditions.

Sadiq Khan was critical of the closure
Yui Mok/PA

The decision to close the venue was criticised by clubbers and politicians alike with Mayor of London Sadiq Khan saying nightclubs were “an essential part” of the city’s cultural landscape.

He said: "Clubbing needs to be safe but I’m disappointed that Fabric, Islington Council and the Metropolitan Police were unable to reach agreement on how to address concerns about public safety.

"As a result of this decision, thousands of people who enjoyed ‎going to Fabric as an essential part of London's nightlife will lose out.

"The issues faced by Fabric point to a wider problem of how we protect London’s night-time economy, while ensuring it is safe and enjoyable for everyone."

Leading DJs and musicians have also called for the club to be saved despite the deaths of the two teenagers.

BBC Radio presenters Annie Mac and Pete Tong, superstar DJs Carl Cox and Fatboy Slim, rapper Professor Green, and music groups including the Chemical Brothers and Groove Armada said calls to shut the venue should be rejected.

A petition to stop the closure of the club was signed by more than 160,000 people.

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