Residents Win: Late-Night Club Bid Rejected in Shoreditch

Shoreditch residents have secured a significant victory in their campaign against the expansion of a local arts venue, following Hackney Council's decision to reject a late-night licence application for Spaces Unlocked. The ruling comes as a relief to a community that has long grappled with the negative impacts of the area’s bustling nightlife.

The venue, which gained international attention after hosting an exhibition for pop star Olivia Rodrigo, sought permission to keep its basement dancefloor open until 4 am on weekends. However, residents firmly opposed the move, arguing it would exacerbate existing problems with noise, crime, and public disorder. The council's Licensing Sub-Committee agreed, siding with the community's concerns over the venue's survival plan.A large number of British Bangladeshis lived nearby

Community Concerns Take Precedent

Residents at the hearing provided vivid and compelling testimony about the daily struggles of living in a "chaotic" nightlife district. One neighbour, Jindur Sidhu, recounted finding "three separate piles of vomit, general litter and a nitrous oxide canister" on his street within a week, an issue he claimed was a frequent occurrence. He, along with others, argued that the venue's poor sound insulation and management were already a problem and that an extended licence would only amplify the disturbances.

One resident, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed his frustration by threatening to install high-definition cameras on Curtain Road to document public urination and illegal drug use. Other residents labelled the venue's application as "excessive," fearing it would transform the creative space into a full-blown "superclub" and further erode the quality of life in their neighbourhood. Concerns were also raised about the venue's promotions, which referenced "hordes" of people attending its events, a term residents saw as proof of the large crowds they feared.

Council Sides with Local Residents

Despite a strong show of support for Spaces Unlocked from various businesses, charities, and London's Deputy Mayor for Culture, the council's sub-committee ultimately prioritised the well-being of the local community. The committee expressed "serious concerns" about the building's capacity and the potential for a new late-night venue to worsen anti-social behaviour in an area already subject to stricter licensing rules.

The decision sends a clear message that the council is committed to balancing the demands of the creative and nightlife industries with the right of residents to a peaceful environment. For the residents of Shoreditch, the ruling marks a welcome step towards reclaiming their streets and ensuring that community concerns are not overlooked in the face of commercial pressures.