The anticipated revival of The Black Cap has been pushed back due to structural issues and financing challenges, now aiming for a summer reopening to coincide with Pride.
The reopening of the iconic queer venue, The Black Cap, located in Camden, London, has encountered delays, with the anticipated revival originally scheduled for December 2024 now pushed back to a summer date. The venue, which was a cornerstone of LGBTQ+ culture, was closed in April 2015 amid plans to convert the site into residential flats. These plans faced substantial opposition from the campaign group We Are The Black Cap, whose members have consistently protested outside the establishment since its closure.
Alex Green, a representative from the Black Cap Community, previously announced intentions for the venue to coincide its reopening with World AIDS Day on 1 December. However, as that date passed without the venue’s return, plans have now shifted. In an exclusive statement to Attitude, Green indicated that the new target for reopening is set for sometime this summer, particularly aiming for completion around Pride, if everything proceeds smoothly. “They were hoping to get it done by the 10th anniversary of its closure in April, but this has now slipped to June,” Green elaborated.
The delays have been attributed to several factors, including an extended strip-out process and the discovery of significant structural issues, specifically a major joist between the floors that necessitated replacement. Green outlined the challenges faced in securing financing for these unexpected repairs and acquiring contractors, which have compounded the project’s timeline. “It’s frustrating for all concerned and the people leading the project are under a lot of pressure from the investors because of the rise in the costs,” he noted. There were concerns about the project leader experiencing stress regarding investor withdrawal, but thankfully, that has not materialised as of yet.
Originally built in the 1700s, The Black Cap gained prominence within the LGBTQ+ community during the 1960s, featuring performances from notable drag artists, including the legendary Lily Savage. When it reopens, the venue is expected to have an expanded offering that includes food services, bed and breakfast accommodations upstairs for artists and performers, as well as a club space on the lower level.
In addition to the developments surrounding The Black Cap, the London LGBTQ+ community is also set to benefit from the establishment of a new theatre and workspace at the previous location of clubnight XXL London in Southwark, further enriching the city’s cultural landscape.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Image: The Black Cap Facebook.