Shapes has accused Hackney Council of pursuing an “agenda against live music venues” as it prepares to close its doors on July 30.
Earlier this week it was reported that police had called for the venue to be shut down following an alleged rape at the venue in March. Club owner Seb Glover had surrendered his licence ahead of a town hall meeting on Tuesday, according to Hackney Gazette.
Shapes has rejected the suggestion that the closure was connected to the alleged attack, and denied the police claim that the club had hampered the investigation by not providing CCTV footage from the night.
“The alleged incident and our closing are two distinctly separate matters,” the club said in a statement, “and to group them together is little more than a cynical attempt to distract from the reality of Hackney’s ongoing social agenda against live music venues.”
The council “has made it clear that music venues are no longer suitable for the area, and as such we are being forced to close our doors,” the statement continues.
“There are darker forces at play here – and they must not detract from the love for the arts we all share. We have worked so hard to create great moments in a great space over the last three and half years – providing a socially enterprising platform for forward-thinking music and artistry in the local community. In spite of our continued efforts we now have no further choice but to bid farewell to 117 Wallis Road.”
Yesterday the club said it had released the CCTV footage from the night of the alleged attack after receiving an “appropriate request” from officers, but that police had failed to view the CCTV by June 9, seven weeks after it was handed over on April 23.
The club also said that it had been granted Temporary Event Notices for each of its final weekends of operation, saying: “Why would the Police grant us these extended licences if they believe there is crime and disorder at the premises?”
Shapes’ closing party takes place tomorrow (July 30) with a MAZE party as part of the annual Hackney Wicked Festival.
