Iconic UK venue Printworks receives green light for redevelopment after 2023 closure

The long-awaited reopening of Printworks London is finally happening after redevelopment approval, reviving one of the UK’s most iconic venues.

London’s iconic venue, Printworks, is officially making a comeback after the recent approval of its redevelopment plans. Known for its industrial ambiance and cutting-edge events, the venue has been a favorite for music and arts enthusiasts since its debut in 2017. Following its closure in early 2023 to facilitate the broader redevelopment of the Surrey Quays area, this new chapter has sparked renewed excitement across London’s nightlife and cultural scene.

Printworks, located in a former printing facility in Canada Water, quickly gained international recognition for its unique space and immersive experiences. The venue hosted a range of events, including electronic music festivals, live concerts, and art exhibitions, creating a cultural hub that brought together creatives and music lovers from around the world. Its distinctive warehouse design and innovative production setups made it a staple in the global nightlife scene.

The venue was forced to close temporarily in 2023 as part of a redevelopment project for the Surrey Quays district. The project aims to transform the area into a vibrant, mixed-use development featuring offices, residential spaces, and public amenities. While this led to Printworks’ closure, the redevelopment also offered the potential for the venue’s revival, a hope that has now materialized with the approval of its reopening plans.

The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), an organization that advocates for the preservation and growth of the UK’s nightlife sector, welcomed the news with open arms. Michael Kill, CEO of the NTIA, expressed his enthusiasm, calling the approval a monumental win for London’s nightlife. “This is a significant step forward for not only Printworks but the entire cultural ecosystem of the city. The venue has been a symbol of innovation, and its reopening marks an important milestone for the future of creative spaces in London,” Kill said.

The news of Printworks’ revival comes at a crucial time, as the UK’s nightlife and music industries continue to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges that followed. The closure of several well-loved venues over the past few years has fueled concerns about the future of London’s music scene. Printworks’ return provides a much-needed boost to both the community and industry, reinforcing the importance of spaces dedicated to creativity and expression.

Throughout its years of operation, Printworks hosted performances by some of the most prominent names in electronic music, including DJ legends like The Chemical Brothers, Peggy Gou, and Bonobo. Its ability to seamlessly blend visual art with live music made it a standout venue, attracting diverse crowds from across the globe. Fans eagerly anticipate what the next iteration of Printworks will offer, especially with potential upgrades from the redevelopment.

In response to the news, Michael Kill also highlighted the community’s crucial role in making the reopening possible. He noted that the approval represents a collective effort, with support pouring in from local authorities, the music industry, and the team behind Printworks. “The support from the community has been incredible, and this is a testament to how vital venues like Printworks are to our culture. We are thrilled to see it move forward and look forward to the next chapter,” Kill added.

As the venue prepares for its highly anticipated reopening, Londoners and international visitors alike are eager to see what’s in store. With its history of setting trends in both music and art, Printworks is expected to continue playing a major role in shaping the city’s creative landscape. The exact timeline for its reopening is yet to be confirmed, but the approval marks a promising start to the future of one of London’s most beloved cultural landmarks.