E1 receives planning permission to build new venue on the site of its current home

East London nightclub E1 has been given the green light by Tower Hamlets Council to build a brand new nightclub next door to its current site, with documents revealing that its current home will be demolished.

Planning application documents seen by Mixmag, reveal that E1’s current home on Pennington St, Wapping, will be demolished to make way for a new development – from developer McLaren Construction – comprising of a Big Yellow Storage facility, 114 residential flats and a new nightclub — operated by E1.

The approval from Tower Hamlets council comes after an appeal against the proposed development was filed in May 2023, however councillors have rejected the appeal following a public enquiry last month.

Opposition to the new development, listed concerns over existing residents in the local area – as well as future residents of the homes within the proposed build.

Read this next: London’s E1 announces new A/V lighting system for upcoming season

However documents reveal that, due to the nearby buildings being occupied by multi-disciplinary arts and culture spaces and the venue’s significance to nightlife culture in the area, the development could be given the go ahead.

E1’s new home will have a 24-hour license on Fridays and Saturdays, with a 6:AM – 03:AM license Sunday to Thursday. As reported by Construction Enquirer, the new development is set to cost £36 million.

Yuval Hen, owner and founder E1 told Mixmag: “For several years, we have been working tirelessly behind the scenes in collaboration with Tower Hamlets and Big Yellow Storage to ensure and safeguard the future of E1.”

“We are now excited to confirm that the development plans include a brand new bespoke purpose-built venue, taking into account sound mitigation, that will become our new home once the initial development is complete, with construction not due to begin for approximately 5 years.

“We are also happy to confirm that throughout planning, development, and construction, E1 in its current form will remain open as it is now – committed to on point curation, cutting edge sound, awe-inspiring visuals, and above all a safe and welcoming space for all.”

Read this next: Tower Hamlets removes nudity-restricting licensing conditions following Save Kink Spaces protest

Michael Kill, CEO NTIA adds: “Fantastic news to hear that the future of E1 is safe, such an important venue for London. Important to recognise the roles of Tower Hamlets and Yellow Storage and the team at E1 for brokering this unique agreement. It’s vital that this agreement is taken forward as an example of true partnership working across the UK.

“This has the hallmark of a strategy for culture and residents across major cities to coexist and thrive, as we have seen in major European cities for many years.”

More information to come.

Megan Townsend is Mixmag’s Deputy Editor, follow her on Twitter