Lancaster live music venue releases statement ahead of closure later this year

A Lancaster live music venue has released a statement ahead of the venue’s closure at the end of the year.

Kanteena, located on Brewery Lane, had previously announced it will close after its final event on New Year’s Eve.

The venue will close due to plans to demolish the building as part of an £85 million regeneration project for the area surrounding Brewery Lane. The hybrid scheme will see developers create a mobility hub, office spaces, hotel and restaurant, health facility and student accommodation within the area.

Developers from Lanmara Developments also plan for the former brewery buildings to be converted into a multi-functional food, beverage and music venue. 

Since originally opening in 2019 – on a temporary basis whilst longer-term plans for the site were developed – Kanteena has hosted a variety of gigs, DJ nights and festivals, as well as various Freshers’ Week events.

Kanteena was initially set to close after New Year’s Eve last year, yet remained open for another year after a public outcry against the venue’s closure.

In a social media statement, the Kanteena team said: “Our last night, sadly, will be on New Year’s Eve.

“Back in 2019, when our proposal first ‘won’ the ‘audition’ to become tenants of this derelict and disused site, we were told that the project was essentially a pilot. The idea was to see if a multi-use venue could work in Lancaster and if it did, it would become part of the wider masterplan for the future of the site.

“Fast forward almost eight years and here we are. Still in the building, still making noise, having just enjoyed our busiest and most profitable year yet.

“We’ve brought some huge acts to Lancaster. Put on some massive events and after years of grafting and experimenting, things have finally started to pay off. So, to say that closing now feels a bit cruel would be a bit of an understatement.

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“Whatever comes next will be done with the same passion, love and determination that has gone into the project from day one. Just with the benefit of hindsight, and a few million mistakes under our belts. There is nothing imminent apart from a rest.”

The statement added that the venue “did not want to close” and “would love to go on forever,” but was unable to despite offering to pay more rent to stay in the premises on Brewery Lane. It also claimed that “the whole project would have looked very different” had the owners known Kanteena would last eight years, and it “could have planned, invested and built something with a proper long-term future.”

Kanteena also commented on the difficulties of working “year to year” and being warned to not book events more than six months in advance, as the site may be sold or demolished. It added that had “made it work” with booking artists, organising festivals and making a sustainable independent venue in uncertain circumstances.

The venue is set to host a variety of events before its closing night, including club nights, tribute performances, a DJ set from Inspiral Carpets’ Clint Boon, and daytime discos.

Russ Worthington from Lanmara Developments said: “What we’re looking to do with a music venue and a food hall, is cement this cultural scene in our development. Kanteena in its existing form, will close, because that’s where we’re going to be putting the multi-storey car park/mobility hub.

“But that doesn’t mean that cultural scene is lost. It’s really just going through that metamorphosis as we move from one venue into a food hall and music venue. We’re looking to do a 500 capacity venue which isn’t in competition with anyone else, it’s just adding to it.”

A planning application for the regeneration scheme has been submitted to Lancaster City Council.

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Featured image via Google Maps