DJs rally for Ministry of Sound

Support: producer Armin van Buuren
12 April 2012

Music stars and DJs have joined tens of thousands in a campaign to keep one of the capital's top night spots.

More than 17,500 people have signed a petition to save Ministry of Sound, in Elephant and Castle, amid fears it could be forced to close if a nearby development goes ahead.

Among the stars to lend their support to the club, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, are Tottenham rapper Wretch 32, who is high up in the singles chart with Don't Go, and Dutch producer Armin van Buuren.

A Monaco-based property developer is trying to gain planning permission to build a 41-storey residential development opposite. Club bosses fear that if it is given the go-ahead, residents will be able to object to any noise from the club which could lead to its closure.

Southwark council is due to consider the application on September 6. There will be another meeting on October 11 when a final decision will be made.

Nightclub boss Lohan Presencer said he would fight to keep the club open.

He said: "Ministry of Sound is massively proud of its London and Southwark roots. We've been here 20 years, bringing people who love to party from across the world and putting Elephant & Castle on the map." The venue employs more than 200 people and attracts 300,000 visitors a year.

Southwark council said that it "valued" the club but had to look at the plans from both perspectives.

Fiona Colley, Southwark's cabinet member for regeneration, said: "We appreciate that Ministry of Sound is a valued employer but we hope a balance can be struck between this and the regeneration of Newington Causeway."

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