London venue Village Underground has secured a long-term lease

London’s Village Underground venue in Shoreditch has secured its future by agreeing a 15 year lease with Hackney Council.

The announcement coincided with Independent Venue Week, and Mayor of Hackney Philip Glanville said in a statement: “This is a great example of a local authority working with and supporting a thriving and well-respected local independent venue. We are sending out a strong message about the value of our arts and music venues for the community and local economy and how as a Council, we will do everything we can to protect them.”

In the same statement, Founder of Village Underground Auro Foxcroft said: “We’re thrilled to have agreed a secure future for Village Underground with a new 15 year lease from Hackney Council. It shows what a progressive local authority they are and that they truly understand and value the importance of culture and grassroots venues as vital to our city and communities.”

He continued: “It’s also very timely – there has been so much discussion and press over the plight of clubs and music venues – that this has been the first time in almost a decade that we’ve ended the year with the same number of grassroots venues as we started. The decline has stopped, the tide is turning and this is the beginning of good news and progress for London’s venues, clubs, and incredible nightlife.”

In the coming months the venue will be welcoming Mitski, BBC Sound Of winner Ray BLK, Boxed In, Hamilton Leithauser, Dutch Uncles and many more, with the new deal meaning the venue can continue to operate for years to come.