Good news! After a long legal battle it looks like Ministry of Sound is here to stay.
Planning permission for the controversial residential tower block near the venue which threatened the clubs future has been granted by London Mayor Boris Johnson. However in a hearing on Thursday, MoS and the building developers struck a legal agreement containing a number of clauses to address noise concerns, which should mean the club can remain open.
Borris said:
“This scheme will deliver much-needed housing in Elephant & Castle while ensuring that the Ministry of Sound, one of London’s leading cultural and musical icons, can continue to thrive for years to come.”
“The Ministry of Sound makes a huge contribution to the area’s thriving night time economy. We want the club to be at the heart of our plans to transform the area into a thriving town centre which is attractive to live, work and play, particularly for young people and students.
“I have fully considered the concerns raised by the club, and having visited the site myself believe that, on balance, the amendments to the original plans should allow residents of the new development to coexist with visitors to the club.”
Ministry updated their website with the following message:
After the heroic intervention of Mayor of London Boris Johnson at City Hall on 19 December, a landmark legal deal has been agreed between Ministry of Sound and the developer Oakmayne that will enable Eileen House to be redeveloped without threatening our club’s existence.
That’s all we ever wanted in the first place – and finally that’s what we’ve achieved. It’s taken five long years, but we vowed to keep fighting until we’d secured our future. It was that simple.
We couldn’t have done it without you – the hundreds of thousands from all over the world who joined the battle to save our club. You helped us to persuade Boris to do the right thing. We cannot thank you enough for your encouragement, goodwill and support. Together we’ve ensured the music at Ministry never stops.
Long live Ministry!