In 2019 XXL launched an online petition titled “Stop XXL London’s eviction from their current venue” in order to gather signatures to support their cause. They received nearly 6,000 but they failed in their bid to keep the club in London. Though XXL still has a club in Birmingham, London lost yet another queer club space. However, there was an agreement made that space would be set aside for our community on the site.
Funding has now been allocated to fit out that space and it comes from the Community Infrastructure Levy, which developers in Southwark contribute to in order to support local improvements and services.
The £1.5 million allocation to refitting a queer space is part of a £4 million fund for key projects, which besides including a new LGBTQ+ space at Bankside Yards also funds essential work for the Bakerloo Line extension and affordable local housing.
The LGBTQ+ space at Bankside Yards will feature a theatre and creative workspace, and it is scheduled to open in 2026.
Additionally, almost £2.4 million is allocated for a 100% affordable housing scheme at 634-636 Old Kent Road. This site is positioned above the planned tunnel for the Bakerloo Line extension. The funding will cover extra engineering work needed to minimise vibration and noise, ensuring that the building above does not negatively impact the tunnel.
The Bakerloo Line extension, which would benefit people across London and the UK, is a priority for Southwark Council, which has also allocated £30,000 towards the Bakerloo Line Extension Funding Study. Moreover, Southwark Council’s Cabinet has approved £50,000 from the levy for design work to improve accessibility at Nunhead Station.
Cllr Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development said:
“These are major project that will directly benefit residents and businesses and help us to build a better and fairer Southwark for all. Our LGBTQ+ community will massively benefit from the new space and the facilities on offer, and we’re also investing to make sure that both a new site with 100 per affordable housing and the Bakerloo Line Extension can happen.
“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.”