Thank you for contacting me about Brixton Academy.
I appreciate your concern about the future of the music venue. As you mention, sadly in December 2022, two people were killed and others seriously injured following a crush. As a result, Lambeth Council suspended the venue's operating licence and the Metropolitan Police subsequently added that it had "lost confidence" in the operator, Academy Music Group (AMG), and recommended that the licence be revoked.
I understand that Lambeth Council ran a two-day hearing on 11 and 12 September, with the Council supporting, in principle, the re-opening of the venue based upon new conditions. These conditions include a "new, revised system for ingress [entry] into the venue" and the introduction of new barriers "positioned on the highway", for which a temporary traffic regulation order would be required. I understand that AMG has already performed a "complete overhaul" of its security procedures and attitude towards risk assessments since the tragedy in December, both of which were independently audited by consultants. This action has given the police confidence to work with AMG to help develop their proposals further.
Following the conclusion of the public hearing, Lambeth Council has advised that a decision on the future of the venue will be made "within five working days".
I am very aware of the rich history of this music venue which has hosted musicians including David Bowie, The Smiths, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. I know many music fans want a solution to be found which secures the music venue's future with significant improvements to safety measures. I will follow developments closely following the hearing.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Yours sincerely,
Sally-Ann Hart MP.
