Published
Tue, Feb 27, 2024, 18:00
- In a statement on Instagram, founder Jeremy Joseph said he'd been "fighting" The Arch Company since September.
The future of London queer club Heaven may be under threat due to high rent increases.
In a statement shared via Instagram yesterday, February 26th, venue owner Jeremy Joseph detailed his ongoing battle with Heaven's landlord, The Arch Company, which he said began last September when the club's alleged automatic rent hike of £80,000 was increased by a further £240,000, totalling £320,000.
"We've been fighting them for five months and they aren't willing to back down so it's going to go to arbitration and has cost us already nearly £10,000 in legal fees," Joseph wrote. "If you wonder why we're losing more LGBTQIA+ venues, look no further than LANDLORDS."
In the UK, arbitration is a way for two parties to solve a dispute with the help of a third neutral and independent party—and without going to court. The arbitrator's final decision is binding. In a short statement sent to Resident Advisor, a spokesperson for The Arch Company confirmed that "an independent third party" had been appointed to help resolve the dispute with Heaven.
"Heaven is a long-term and valued customer and we've been working closely with them to reach an agreement on the market rent for their premises," the statement added. "Unfortunately, we've not been able to agree this between ourselves."
Located in Charing Cross in Central London, Heaven is one of the city's best-known and longest-running LGBTQIA+ clubs. As well as owning the club, Joseph runs one of London's most popular gay party brands, G-A-Y. (RA has approached Joseph for additional comment.)
"Watching how so many venues have closed or are struggling because of rent increases, I'm going public with this and letting everyone know what we're going through," he continued on Instagram. "It's been extremely stressful and the fight has just begun as it's time to put public pressure on landlords."
Read his statement in full.
Photo: Chris Jepson