One of Bristol's most famous nightclubs will be turned into offices and flats, it was confirmed today.
Lakota has been a staple of the city's famed nightlife scene for decades, but will now make way for a mixed-use development including 54 residential dwellings.
The decision, which comes as a huge blow to Bristol's embattled nightlife scene, was made by Bristol City Council's Development Control Committee today (April 29) via a Zoom video call.
It will also see the closure of the Coroner's Court and Stokes Croft Beer Garden.
In the 90s the Stokes Croft venue was seen as one of the most famous clubs in the country, welcoming many of the world’s biggest DJs.
It is still held in high regard today, loved for its dingy nature, pounding sound system and impressive lineups.
And it was open for events up to the outbreak of coronavirus when pictures were taken showing the empty club.
But owners the Burgess family released a statement in October 2018 expressing their intentions to call it a day, confirming it could become accommodation and business space.
Its future was initially due to be decided on March 18, but this meeting was postponed due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
What will Lakota become?
The scheme, which has been submitted on behalf of The Old Bottle Works, includes 54 residential dwellings spread across the site.
A new four-storey block of accommodation will be built next to 6 Upper York Street.
The applicants say they intend to keep the ground floor of the Upper York Street building - which is where Lakota is based - for business use but it is currently unclear what that would be specifically.
The rest of the site will be made up of 42 one-bedroom flats/studio, 11 two-bedroom flats and one three-bedroom flat.
It is proposed that nine of the residential units will be affordable, which is 20 per cent.
There is also provision for a play area and 76 bicycle stands.
The planning application received hundreds of letters of objection from people who are concerned about the loss of the famous nightclub and the impact it will have on the city.
Campaigners argued the closure of Lakota will see the loss of around £20 million a year it generates for the economy, the loss of thousands of jobs and the loss of amenity for local community events, including its use for St Paul's Carnival.
There was also a petition to try and save the venue which received nearly 8,000 signatures.
What was said at the meeting
The details of the plan were outlined by the council's case officer, who recommended it for approval.
Labour Cllr Harriet Bradley said she was "astonished" that the aforementioned petition was not mentioned by the case officer.
She said: "Democratically it doesn't seem right that we should listen to this proposal before there has been a chance for this petition to be discussed at full council.
"We didn't hear that there had been a massive petition which rather offsets the positive comments. I have very mixed feelings about this proposal, I feel it's wrong democratically to go ahead when there hasn't been a chance for this big petition to be discussed at full council.
"It's alarming that 8,000 people have tried to sign a petition but it hasn't been heard."
Labour Cllr Nicola Bowden also argued that the petition should be taken into account.
However democratic services said they "don't believe the petition has been submitted".
When discussing the decision, Councillor Olly Mead, one of three who voted against it, argued: "This is a place that has given bands that are emerging an opportunity to do their music and gain experience, and I would say that's a valuable asset for the city.
"I would define it as a cultural asset that is of benefit to people across Bristol."
He also said he does not think the scheme will enhance the area due to the design of the buildings.
Cllr Mike Davies voted in favour, arguing that there are numerous benefits to the plan which outweighs the disappointment some people might feel as a result of the closure.
Cllr Fi Hance also voted in favour of the plan, but "with a heavy heart".
She said: "A lot of us have a sentimental attachment to Lakota as a club but the fact remains the owners no longer wish to run it as that.
"Also we have the promise of affordable housing and the restoration of a crumbling building.
"On balance I'll be voting in favour with a heavy heart."
Cllr Bradley voted against the application, saying: "The cultural scene of Bristol is why so many people flock to here and Lakota is an internationally renowned nightclub. The loss of it would be tragic."
In total three councillors voted against the plan, with Cllr Jo Sergeant the third, while six voted in favour of it. There was one abstention.
