Iconic Glasgow venue The Arches is set to go into administration after a licensing change stopped it from hosting club nights.
The directors of multi-arts venue said they had been left with ‘no other choice’ after the Glasgow Licensing Board curtailed its opening hours last month and prevented it from continuing its programme of club nights.
They added that the income from club nights generated more than half of The Arches’ turnover, and without them their business model is ‘untenable’. All planned events have now been cancelled.
Gordon Kennedy, chairman of The Arches’ board of directors, said the decision had been taken ‘with deep regret’.
‘Our hope is that the administrators, working with partners and stakeholders, can salvage some of the activities for which The Arches is renowned’, he said.
‘The board sincerely thanks our staff, customers, supporters, performers and partners for their support over the years. This is a very sad day for The Arches and for the city of Glasgow.’
Located within Grade A listed Victorian vaults beneath Central Station, The Arches opened in 1991 following Glasgow being named European Capital of Culture in 1990. It’s hosted a variety of prominent events over the years - from Daft Punk’s first UK gig in 1997 to the afterparty of the MTV European Music Awards last year.
The administration has been met with dismay from many fans of the venue, who've taken to Twitter to air their views:
So much sympathy to all the staff and directors at The Arches; I'm furious for you and thankful for you and wish your work strength.
— Harry Giles (@HarryGiles) June 10, 2015
We cut our raving teeth at the Arches in the early 90s. A little part of our heart has broken. #TeamArches
— Hot Mess (@hotmessdisco) June 10, 2015
Disappointed that the Arches is having to go into administration. As a venue for clubbing and cultural pursuits it was without equal.
— Andy Stewart (@AndyErupts) June 10, 2015
Goodbye to @ArchesGlasgow. @LadytronMusic were lucky enough to play & DJ there. You will most definitely be missed. http://t.co/ts7K0z4Wm5
— Marnie (@marnieofficial) June 10, 2015
A huge loss to grassroots performance culture in Scotland. My heart goes out to everyone @TheArchesArts http://t.co/NjV7lMzcsy
— Jenna Watt (@thejennawatt) June 10, 2015
A devastating loss! Awful awful awful news! http://t.co/GjnWwT1Ohd
— Jack Webb (@IAMJACKWEBB) June 10, 2015
Share your memories at The Arches in the comments below.