The Moth Club, a cherished independent music and comedy venue in Hackney, faces potential closure as plans for a block of flats next door spark fears of noise complaints.
“Without being able to make noise, we can’t make money,” said Edie Kench-Andrews, the club’s general manager.
Since opening in 1972 as a servicemen’s club, the venue has evolved into a key player in Hackney’s grassroots music scene, hosting stars like Lady Gaga, Dave Grohl, and Rick Astley.
Over 6,500 people have signed a petition against the proposed development, warning it could threaten the club’s future and disrupt the neighborhood’s identity.
Kench-Andrews explained that new residents would likely raise noise complaints about the queue, the smoking area, and music from the venue, making it difficult to operate.
“Being enclosed with housing would cast a shadow over everything we’ve worked for,” she said, emphasizing the club’s role in launching bands and fostering community.
Keith Miller, the club’s event programmer, pointed to other venues that have closed due to similar complaints, stressing how devastating it is when cultural spaces are lost.
Hackney Council stated that the planning application is under review, with decisions to be made based on guidelines and community input.
Developers Stephen Davy Peter Smith Architects and Savills declined to comment on the matter.
As the Moth Club fights to preserve its place in Hackney’s cultural landscape, supporters remain vocal in their efforts to save a venue that has nurtured countless artists and brought joy to its community.
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