A legendary east London venue has said it is under “serious threat” from a new planning application to build a six-storey block opposite their building.
The MOTH Club in Hackney, which is encouraging its supporters to help them oppose the proposal, is a staple of east London’s nightlife scene. Part music and comedy club, part veterans association, MOTH Club has a ‘pristine’ feel with its famous gold ceiling and military memorabilia adorning the walls.
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First opened in 1972, it is still an ex-military club but has now become a popular venue for East London indie bands and artists. They hold club nights such as the Deptford Northern Soul Club and the 80s night Dancing in the Dark.
The proposed plan would see a six-storey building built opposite the nightclub, with a commercial unit on the ground floor. The proposal would also involve “demolition of existing buildings”.
The venue took to its Instagram to urge its supporters: “To all Hackney-based MOTH Club lovers out there, we are calling for your support in objecting to a recent planning application for new flats being built opposite the venue on Morning Lane.
“Hosting live shows, comedy, film and club nights, MOTH has been around since 1972 as a former civil servants club and is still used by MOTH members regularly with monthly meetings in their private upstairs meeting rooms.
“We wouldn’t be able to completely soundproof that section”
Edie Andrews, general manager at MOTH Club, told TimeOut: “We feel the block will cast a real shadow over the venue.
“We make a real effort to communicate with the residents and try to keep our soundproofing as up to date as we can, but without disrupting the integrity of the space we wouldn’t be able to completely soundproof that section.”
One person commented on the venue’s Instagram post: “Your venue is a neighborhood treasure. Good luck, I’m sure common sense will prevail.”
Another said: “I’m a super local (Morning Lane) resident and work in two Hackney venues so fingers crossed for you.”
You can see the application here.
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