Passing Clouds awarded Asset of Community Value Status

The beloved Dalston venue has been closed since 16 August after bailiffs stormed the building and evicted the occupiers. This new development offers a glimmer of hope in the battle to re-open the space

Good news regarding nightlife has been thin on the ground for a while now. Fabric’s closure has rightly claimed most headlines but the story of Passing Clouds is no less tragic. When the building they lease was bought in November 2015 it was without the knowledge of Passing Clouds’ management, despite their consistent stance that they would be interested in purchasing the building if it ever came up for sale. After broken promises about the change of use, a proposed rent hike of 300% and more general fuckery from Landhold Development, PC were locked out by two bailiffs on 16 June. After breaking back in and occupying the building for a further 2 months, they then got the heavy treatment from that other type of bailiff – the ones that will drag you out by your feet in the middle of the night and kick your teeth in on the way.

The site was boarded up with metal shutters and that’s the way it remained, seemingly just another pocket of colour consumed by the unstoppable grey-ing of London… Until this week when it has been announced that Passing Clouds has been awarded the status of Asset of Community Value by Hackney Council. That means that they will be able to trigger a six month moratorium during which the property may not be sold. They are also afforded the ‘community right to bid’, so if they can meet a reasonable valuation they get first choice on any sale of the building. It essentially gives Passing Clouds time, and while it by no means guarantees their survival, there is at least a chance that the interests of a community may override those of investors.

(Via: The Hackney Citizen)