Lambeth council has made the Electric Brixton venue next to the town hall an asset of community value (ACV) to protect its future.
The building has a long and distinguished past as a Brixton venue, including time as the Ace cinema and Fridge nightclub.
An ACV is land or property of importance to a local community which is subject to additional protection from development under the Localism Act 2011.
Voluntary and community organisations can nominate an asset to be included on their local authority’s register of assets of community value.
ACV freehold owners must tell the council if they want to sell the asset. If a group wants to buy it, it can trigger a moratorium for six months to give it a chance to raise the money to buy it.
The freehold owner does not have to sell to a community group, but the ACV listing improves the chances of community groups being able to make the purchase by giving more time to raise funds.
Cllr Donatus Anyanwu, council cabinet member for stronger communities, leisure and sports, said: “The Electric Brixton is a part of the modern cultural history of Brixton and makes an important contribution to our vibrant town centre’s economy.
“By recognising this institution as an asset of community value we hope to ensure future music fans can enjoy themselves and appreciate the fantastic cultural contribution this iconic live music venue has made to the richness of our borough,” he said.
“Electric Brixton is a hugely significant venue within the cultural landscape of London,” said Electric Group co-founder Dominic Madden.
“This iconic venue has been operating for over 100 years, evolving with the times, from the Palladium Picture House, to the ABC Cinema, to the Ace which hosted David Bowie, to the Fridge which launched Soul II Soul and the new romantic movement.
“Electric Brixton is the latest incarnation of the journey of reinvention and has hosted a wide and varied range of acts of all sizes.
“Electric Brixton is hugely valued by Londoners and the Brixton community. We look forward to playing an important role for another 100 years.”
Acts to have played at Brixton Electric include Liam Gallagher, Fred Again, Skrillex, Fourt Tet, Denis Sulta, Romy, Loreen, Dom Dolla, The Clash, Shy FX, Craig Charles, Todd Terje, Ross From Friends, 2manyDJs, MGMT, Erol Arkan, Kesha, My Bloody Valentine, Stereophonics, Franz Ferdinand, George Ezra, Craig David, Bring me the Horizon, Marco Carola, Loco Dice, BRESH, Eric Prydz, DeadMau5, Pixies, Carl Cox, Emily Sande, Kendrick Lemar and many more.
Electric Brixton is part of the Electric Group, an independent music company, born and based in Brixton.
It owns and operates other live music venues including SWX Bristol and NX Newcastle. It also owns the freehold of the Leadmill in Sheffield, the longest running live music venue in the city, although this purchase was not universally welcomed locally.
