Key Points:
- Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club faces closure after nearly 140 years.
- A crowdfunding campaign has been launched on Crowdfunder to fund a planning application.
- Campaigners received a two-month eviction notice last summer from property owners.
- A protest rally successfully delayed the eviction temporarily.
- A petition with 13,000 signatures was started by Equity performing arts trade union.
- The venue, a Grade II-listed cabaret theatre, was designated an asset of community value in August.
- Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club faces closure after nearly 140 years.
- A crowdfunding campaign has been launched on Crowdfunder to fund a planning application.
- Campaigners received a two-month eviction notice last summer from property owners.
- This listing gives campaigners the right to bid if the property is sold, but does not prevent a sale.
- Campaigners need to raise £12,000 by April 8 for a survey, valuation, and planning application.
- An additional £6,000 is needed for a business plan to propose council purchase and leaseback.
- The venue has hosted top entertainers and featured in Netflix series and music videos.
- Owners, Borough of Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club, have indicated an intention to sell.
- Campaigners worry the building could become derelict due to planning restrictions.
- Tower Hamlets Council has been contacted for comment.
Why is Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club at risk of closure?
The historic Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club is facing closure after nearly 140 years, prompting a crowdfunding campaign to save it.
Campaigners have launched an online funding drive via Crowdfunder to secure the necessary funds for a planning application to Tower Hamlets Council. The club, based in Pollard Row, Bethnal Green, has been a key venue for the arts and entertainment industry but now faces uncertainty due to plans by its owners to sell the property.
What led to the eviction notice?
The club’s organisers received a two-month eviction notice last summer from the property owners, Borough of Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club. A protest rally on the day of the planned eviction successfully halted the process—temporarily.
How have supporters responded?
In response to the threat of closure, the Equity performing arts trade union launched a petition, which has so far gained 13,000 signatures. Campaigners also successfully lobbied the council to designate the club as an asset of community value in August 2023.
However, while this status gives the community a ‘right to bid’ if the building is put up for sale, it does not prevent it from being sold on the open market.
What is the goal of the crowdfunding campaign?
The Friends of Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club campaign group aims to raise £12,000 in six weeks (by April 8). The funds will cover a full survey, valuation, and planning application that could secure protection orders.
Additionally, another £6,000 is required to develop a business plan with financial projections, which could help persuade Tower Hamlets Council to purchase the building and lease it back to the campaigners, or allow them to buy it outright.
Why is Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club important?
The club has played a pivotal role in London’s cultural scene, acting as a launchpad for entertainers such as Paloma Faith, Tom Allen, and Sean Lock. It has also served as a filming location for Netflix series like Baby Reindeer and music videos for Liam Gallagher.
What happens if the campaign fails?
If the fundraising target is not met and the council does not intervene, campaigners fear the club could remain closed and become derelict due to the strict planning restrictions on the building.
Has Tower Hamlets Council responded?
The council has been contacted for comment regarding its stance on the potential sale and whether it would consider stepping in to save the venue.
The future of Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club now hinges on the success of the crowdfunding campaign and the willingness of local authorities to act in preserving a key piece of London’s cultural heritage.
