Ministry of Sound launch petition to save venue

UK Music Chief Executive, Feargal Sharkey: "Ministry of Sound is a London landmark, a UK success story and a globally recognised brand. Any threat to such a core part of its business should be considered very carefully."

Ministry of Sound is a flagship for British youth culture; an iconic brand that includes a club, the world's largest independent record label, and a multimedia entertainment business, all directed from the company's South London home.

Following a significant threat to its future from a proposed residential development opposite the Gaunt Street building, the club has launched a petition to safeguard the future of the Ministry of Sound venue. Those wishing to show their support for the club can sign the petition via the following link:

http://www.ministryofsound.com/saveourclub

For 18 years the beating heart of Ministry of Sound has been the Southwark venue at 103 Gaunt Street that in addition to the legendary nightclub, also houses its main offices and 200 staff (a further 300 staff are employed worldwide in offices in New York, Sydney, and Berlin). The club holds over 200 events a year, with an annual attendance in excess of 300,000.

The future of the SE1 venue has been put in doubt following a planning application by property developer Oakmayne. The company has submitted plans for a residential building on the site of the old Eileen House, which, if built, could pose a significant threat to the club's entertainment license. Oakmayne's attitude towards preserving the longevity of the club is perhaps best summed up by a comment from its chairman, Christopher Allen, who when questioned gave his opinion that "nightclubs come and go".

A leading light for regeneration in the Southwark area since 1991, Ministry of Sound has played a strong role in the local community from the start, employing local residents, providing an event space for the people of Southwark, and championing local causes.

It has housed conferences ranging from the UK's Youth Parliament to Mothers Against Guns, Urban Mission, and many more. On 14th April Ministry of Sound will host a Crime Stoppers awareness day for local under 18's; 25th August will see 'Put It Down', an anti-gun and knife crime event featuring 400 young people, live performances, and workshops.