Thousands of people walk over a massive hidden space in Bristol’s city centre every day without realizing it exists. However, a creative organisation is now transforming the delivery warehouse beneath The Galleries shopping centre into a new hotspot for dance music enthusiasts.
Tom Hodgson, Director of The Underground, believes the venue is “the largest subterranean venue in the UK” and hopes it will contribute to the revitalization of struggling high streets across the country. Hodgson first approached The Galleries with the idea to convert the loading bay in Broadmead into an underground music space seven years ago. After two years of discussions, the idea was finally approved.
Now, five years later, the venue has scheduled 10 events between now and New Year, featuring popular DJs like Ben Hemsley and the electronic duo Gorgon City. “As the name suggests, the space is completely underground, so the sound is totally contained,” Hodgson explained. “The combination of solid concrete and insulation gives it fantastic acoustics, allowing us to get very loud if needed.”
Unlike other large venues in Bristol, The Underground’s fully contained space also shields attendees from the elements during colder months. With the decline of the high street, it is hoped that this new destination will draw attention to shopping centres again. Hodgson sees shopping centres as “an untapped resource” and encourages other cities to explore similar ideas.
The venue aims to continue hosting events beneath The Galleries for as long as possible, though future plans for the site include demolishing the centre to make way for a hotel, student flats, and retail space. “Beyond that, you’ll have to wait and see, but we have plans to keep the underground alive,” Hodgson added.
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