The cloud hanging over the future of Oxford’s The Cellar has been removed after its landlords withdrew their planning application for the site.
More than 13,000 people signed an online petition opposing its planned closure, which followed an announcement that St Michael’s & All Saint’s Charities intended to redevelop the 150-capacity basement club early next year and turn it into a retail space. Artists such as Foals, Ride, Glass Animals, Objekt, Rob Da Bank and Young Knives also joined the campaign.
“Amazing news, the planning application that our landlords, St Michael’s & All Saint’s Charities has been withdrawn,” the venue announced in a statement on its website. “For those of you that weren't aware, in September '17, we were given the news that our landlords had applied to redevelop the basement site of the Cellar, early next year and turn it into a retail space.
“Incredible support flooded in for us, support that has been beyond our wildest dreams.
“Now, not only as the current application been withdrawn, the local and national community has most certainly heard loud and clear how vital the survival of small music and arts venues are to our lives. We are keen to go forward in the hope that we can come to a positive resolution with this charity so we can continue to make our contribution as a venue to this vital aspect of all our lives that we care so passionately about.”
The club has hosted formative shows by the likes of Foals, Glass Animals, Young Knives, Mumford & Sons, Pulled Apart By Horses, Friendly Fires and Stornoway, and has consistently championed local and touring artists, promoters and record labels.
It has also hosted hundreds of fundraising events for the likes of MIND, WaterAid UK, Oxjam, Oxford Homeless Pathways, Refugee Action and the Alzheimer's Society. Upcoming gigs include critically acclaimed singer Nadia Reid, and folktronica musician James Yuill.
