Southwark Council has allocated £1.5 million for an LGBTQ+ venue at the former XXL club site, part of a £4 million funding package aimed at revitalising community spaces.
Southwark Council Commits £1.5 Million to New LGBTQ+ Venue at Former XXL Club Site
In a significant move to enhance community spaces and support the LGBTQ+ community, Southwark Council has allocated £1.5 million to develop a new LGBTQ+ venue at the former site of the popular London gay club, XXL. This investment is part of a broader £4 million funding package approved by the council for key projects in the area.
Revitalizing LGBTQ+ Spaces
The new LGBTQ+ venue, slated to open in 2026, will be located in Bankside Yards and will feature a theatre and workspace. This development comes after the closure of XXL in 2019, which was met with widespread criticism from the LGBTQ+ community. A petition to save XXL had gathered nearly 6,000 signatures, highlighting the venue’s importance to the community[2].
Councillor Helen Dennis emphasized the positive impact of this new space, stating, “The new LGBTQ+ venue will massively benefit the LGBTQ+ community in Southwark.” This initiative is seen as a crucial step in addressing the decline of LGBTQ+ nightlife in London, where more than half of such venues closed between 2006 and 2022, reducing the number from 125 to just 50[2].
Community Infrastructure Levy Funding
The funding for the new venue is derived from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), a mechanism that allows local councils to secure funds from developers to support community projects. Councillor Helen Dennis highlighted the importance of reinvesting these contributions back into the community, saying, “Making sure money from developers is reinvested back into our communities is a vital part of what we do and we’ll keep ensuring that money goes towards making a real difference and improving life for the people of Southwark”[2].
Broader Community Benefits
In addition to the LGBTQ+ venue, the £4 million funding package includes vital work related to the Bakerloo Line extension. Although the extension project is currently on hold due to funding issues, the council’s commitment to this project underscores its dedication to improving public infrastructure. The Bakerloo Line extension aims to expand services beyond Elephant and Castle, potentially reaching new stops at New Cross Gate, Lewisham, and eventually Hayes and Beckenham Junction by 2040[4].
Affordable Housing and Infrastructure
The council has also approved £2.4 million for an affordable housing project at 634-636 Old Kent Road, which will provide 100 per cent affordable housing. This project is strategically located above the planned Bakerloo Line extension tunnel and will include necessary engineering work to mitigate vibration and noise impacts, ensuring the structural integrity of both the housing and the tunnel[4].
Council’s Commitment to Community Development
Southwark Council’s funding decisions reflect a strong commitment to enhancing public infrastructure and community life. Cllr Helen Dennis noted, “These are major projects that will directly benefit residents and businesses and help us to build a better and fairer Southwark for all.” The council’s efforts to support the LGBTQ+ community, along with other initiatives such as the Bakerloo Line extension and affordable housing, demonstrate a comprehensive approach to community development[4].
As the new LGBTQ+ venue prepares to open its doors in 2026, it marks a significant step forward in providing inclusive spaces and enriching the cultural landscape of Southwark, further solidifying the council’s dedication to the well-being and diversity of its community.
Image: CommunitySouthwark.org