Not going down the Tubes: Village Underground to stay put for another 15 years

This train won’t be terminating here: Village Underground

Shoreditch arts and gig venue Village Underground – the place famous for having Tube trains berthed on its roof – is safe from developers, for the near future at least.

There will be no break in its lease until 2027, the council has confirmed, meaning those in charge of the cultural hub can now plan for the future without fearing being booted out. This comes amid anxiety about the apparent decline of London’s nightlife following a string of club closures. The venue is a landmark and can be seen from the Overground trains running south from Dalston Junction.

Cause for celebration: Clubbers at the venue

Hackney Council said it had agreed to extend the venue’s current lease for another 15 years in order to preserve what Mayor Philip Glanville said was one of the borough’s “most vibrant” destinations.

Auro Foxcroft, the owner of Village Underground, said he was “thrilled” with the deal, adding that it was “the beginning of good news and progress for London’s venues, clubs, and incredible nightlife”.