It’s a good news/bad news day for clubbers

Following an alleged dance-floor shooting in August, popular Bethnal Green venue Oval Space has lost its license. On the positive side, globally renowned nightclub Printworks announced it is in detailed talks to reopen at a later date instead of closing down permanently.

Last week, Tower Hamlets Council revoked the licence of Oval Space, a popular live music venue, event space and club in Bethnal Green. The council explained its decision as the result of poor venue management, including inadequate security, which led to an alleged open-fire shooting on the dance floor in August, as well as other previous violent incidents. Representatives for Oval Space admitted mistakes were made, but deny claims of broader mismanagement and will be appealing the decision. For the time being, however, Oval Space remains closed.

In more positive news for London clubbers, Printworks, considered one of the best clubs in the world, announced it is finalising an agreement with British Land, which is redeveloping the Canary Wharf area where Printworks is located. The club was previously slated for permanent closure, as it was supposed to be turned into office space. Following public outcry, however, British Land appears to have made a Kwartengian U-turn and will be incorporating the beloved venue into its plans. If the agreement goes through, Printworks will still close for a number of years while the redevelopment takes place, then reopen at a later date.