Printworks to return as Southwark sees value in night-time economy
The Printworks nightclub in London’s Canada Water is set to return following Southwark Council’s waving through of plans by British Land and AustralianSuper to reinstate the music venue.
A reserved matters application, filed in February, has been given the go ahead after planners at Southwark said the music industry was an “important component” of the night-time economy and that for “any town centre to be successful” there needed to be well-managed provision of night-time uses.
Southwark’s consent means that the successful Printworks London – managed by electronic music and arts operator Broadwick – will return from 2026.
The Printworks nightclub in London’s Canada Water is set to return following Southwark Council’s waving through of plans by British Land and AustralianSuper to reinstate the music venue.
A reserved matters application, filed in February, has been given the go ahead after planners at Southwark said the music industry was an “important component” of the night-time economy and that for “any town centre to be successful” there needed to be well-managed provision of night-time uses.
Southwark’s consent means that the successful Printworks London – managed by electronic music and arts operator Broadwick – will return from 2026.
Planners at Southwark said: “The proposed development is an innovative reuse of the existing distinctive building and the design makes best use of its internal features, especially the cavernous halls.”
They added: “The addition of a large formal cultural venue in Canada Water will make a significant contribution to the town centre, with wider benefits for the borough and London.
“At a pan-London level, the retention of existing and provision of new music, performing and visual arts facilities is supported as there is an identified need to additional facilities following the adverse impacts of Brexit, Covid and spending cuts.”
Printworks had more than 2.5m visitors, 300 music concerts, 200 film shoots, and hosted thousands more cultural events during its six-year operation.
With this new plan, British Land and AustralianSuper aim to deliver a highly flexible leisure and cultural destination within their Canada Water Masterplan that expands on the success of the meanwhile use venue.
The permanent venue will occupy one half of the existing building, while the other half will deliver sustainable workspace and retail, known as the Grand Press.
The designs, led by architect Hawkins\Brown, seek to maintain the building’s volume and character while creating a highly sustainable and modern cultural venue.
Some 70 events are expected to be held in the 5,700-capacity venue at weekends throughout the year.
DP9 advised on planning.
Images © Hawkins\Brown
