02/10/2023
Brixton Academy allowed to retain
licence and re-open if it can meet
“robust” safety rules
"The decision today rightly follows a detailed examination
of evidence and the presentation of new plans that will
ensure nothing like the tragic incident last year can ever
happen again"
By Andrew Trendell 15th September 2023
Above and Beyond perform on stage at the O2 Brixton Academy
London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ollie Millington/Redferns via Getty
Images
London’s O2 Academy in Brixton has been given the green light to
keep its licence and re-open, following closure due to a fatal crowd
crush last year.
READ MORE: Artists and industry speak out to save Brixton
Academy: “It’d be a tragedy to lose such an iconic venue”
The hearing into the future of the venue began on Monday
(September 11), to determine whether or not the Academy Music
Group (AMG) could continue to operate their licence at the music
venue, after it was forced to shut its doors following a fatal crowd
crush that occurred at an Asake concert back in December 2022.
The event — which left two dead and one in a critical condition —
ultimately led to the Academy having its licence suspended. Gabrielle
Hutchinson, aged 23, and 33-year-old Rebecca Ikumelo lost their
lives as a result. The Metropolitan Police then reportedly made a
push for the location to close its doors for good .
Advertisement
Police forensic investigators seen outside Brixton Academy after a
crowd crush during an Asake concert in Brixton. (Photo by Thabo
Jaiyesimi/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Now, Lambeth Council have announced today (Friday September 15)
that the Academy can reopen, provided that it meets 77 “extensive
and robust” conditions “designed to promote public safety”.
Potential re-opening dates are yet to be shared. NME has approached
Academy Music Group for comment.
DJ and London Night Czar, Amy Lamé, commented on what the
ruling meant for Brixton and for the capital’s music scene.
“Firstly, my heart goes out to the fam
