Madame Jojo’s to be demolished, after plans approved

As part of a major upheaval of Soho, London’s Madame Jojo’s venue is set to be demolished.

Earlier this week, it was reported that the venue had its licence revoked, following a violent incident that led to a temporary closure. Promoters White Heat announced that jobs would be lost, and that they would enter an indefinite hiatus.

However, news has emerged (via The Guardian) that Madame Jojo’s had been under consideration for closure since September 2013, when Soho Estates submitted plans to Westminster council. Goals included demolishment of Madame Jojo’s, as well as a significant part of Soho’s Walker’s Court and Brewer’s Street, host to the area’s famous adult shops.

The building hosting Madame Jojo’s is set to experience a complete renewal, having housed concerts there for over fifty years.

Events have escalated at an alarming rate, with the venue going from having its licence revoked to being demolished, in just a matter of days. Westminster council however stands by its original statement that the club could no longer host events following an explicitly violent incident, where members of the public where assaulted with baseball bats, by security staff.

“The police outlined serious concerns at the Brewer Street site and so we had to take action. This was based entirely on the level of violence involved, and not for any other reason,” says the council.

A Save Madame Jojo’s petition has been started, with a vigil planned for Saturday 29th November.