Update, May 26: The club’s owners have issued a fresh statement.
The team behind Stattbad have given an update on the situation on Facebook, indicating that they are in talks to address the issues that led to the club’s closure.
“We want to thank you for all your support! At the moment we are in talks with the different parties involved in the matter considering the status of Stattbad. Nevertheless our events are scheduled as planned in alternative locations. Throughout the next weeks we will give another statement that will keep you informed about the situation.”
Stattbad’s scheduled events over the weekend took place at the temporary venue of Birgit&Bier in Kreuzberg. There’s no indication yet as to whether the venue will house all upcoming events – those interested should keep an eye on the club’s Facebook page.
The club has been forced to close by the local authorities until further notice.
Berlin’s Stattbad has become the latest club to close, due to what it describes as “an anonymous report attacking the whole project.”
In a statement on Facebook, the club wrote:
“Due to an order from the building authorities, based on an anonymous report attacking the whole project, STATTBAD had to shut down. We’re in talks with the responsible authorities to meet the conditions. The temporary closing effects the complete independent and self-financed cultural project including the events, the gallery, the café as well as the working artists and their studios till further notice. Our goal to create a cultural event space remains.”
The club had made a series of venue changes for events over the weekend, but it wasn’t until today that the club made an official statement. As RA points out, a local government notice states the closure is related to a lack of fire safety measures in the building. The building reportedly does not have a fire detection system, an emergency power supply, a sprinkler system or emergency lighting in place.
Located in Berlin’s Wedding district, the club occupies a building designed by architect Ludwig Hoffmann and built in 1907. After it was badly damaged in World War II it was rebuilt in the 1960s and reopened as a public swimming baths. It was closed in 2001, and reopened as a cultural hub incorporating a club, studios and office space.
Recent years have seen the building’s basement used for many of Boiler Room’s Berlin sessions, while artists including Optimo, DJ Pierre, Pangaea and Paula Temple are among those who have played over the past few months.
There’s currently no indication what will happen about the forthcoming scheduled events, which include a 5 Years of L.I.E.S. Meets The Trilogy Tapes showcase and a Tief night with Trus’me and Wbeeza.
