The Garage: grassroots venue launches campaign to safeguard future

Redevelopment projects threaten to close the iconic Islington venue, but there's more than one way to skin a cat, explains programmer Matthew Cook

The venue sits within the area marked for the redevelopment of Highbury & Islington tube station © The Garage

In the last ten years, 35% of London’s grassroots music venues have shut down amid soaring rents and pressure from property development. Among those facing closure is the Garage, the Islington venue that sits on land earmarked for the redevelopment of Highbury & Islington tube station.

The threat first appeared back in February, Matthew Cook, appointed programmer for the venue last November, explains. An “ambiguous” letter was sent from Islington Council, suggesting the venue could be demolished to make…

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