Brixton Academy is due to run a series of “test events” in order to open once again, with a schedule of dates for the re-launch due to be announced soon.
Last week, the venue was told by Lambeth Council that it can reopen for concerts once again, providing it meets 77 conditions. The venue has been closed since the end of last year, and a hearing has been taking place since Monday (September 11) to determine whether it may reopen safely.
On December 15 2022, two people – Gaby Hutchinson, 23, and Rebecca Ikumelo – tragically lost their lives after a fatal crush at Brixton Academy during a show by Asake. The artist was forced to abandon the show after three songs.
Both victims were in the foyer of the venue when the incident occurred, according to the Metropolitan Police, with 1,000 people said to be outside the venue at the time. The crush, which also led to the injuries of 10 others, meant that the academy had its license suspended by the council
Lambeth Council say that 77 “extensive and robust” conditions have been laid out today (September 15) to the venue in order for it to open safely to the public once again and allow concerts to take place.
Conditions include the demand for stronger doors, different crowd management systems, new security and management, and more rigid risk assessments at the venue.
Following the venue’s temporary closure, a petition calling for its reopening surpassed 100 signatures, with many musicians, including members of Blur, calling for the space to be kept running.
Speaking about the decision Mohaed Hashi, Lambeth council’s cabinet member for safer communities, said: “At the hearing the council’s licensing officers asked that AMG’s initial proposals were greatly strengthened. This was accepted by the operator. In total 77 conditions have been agreed by the subcommittee to allow reopening.
“Lambeth council will do everything we can to support this police investigation so that there are answers and justice for the families of Rebecca Ikumelo and Gabrielle Hutchinson, who tragically lost their lives at the academy in December.”
Hashi also noted that the Metropolitan Police investigation into whether any criminal offences had occurred during the fatal incident is still ongoing.