"We're well aware of the importance of Club 414 to many in the area, and the legacy it leaves behind. Its closing was a huge loss for Brixton's nightlife scene and we joined you in mourning what the owners built. To be clear: we were in no way connected to their eviction. We are committed to honouring their legacy as an independent, grassroots music venue and maintaining this as a space for nurturing local talent. We are committed to supporting Brixton’s nightlife and providing somewhere special to dance and enjoy the fantastic, diverse scene that dates back decades in the area. Brixton Jamm has been a cornerstone venue in the area for two decades, and Percolate forged its early identity in Simulacra Studios on Coldharbour Lane almost a decade ago—we care deeply about the area and want to make sure that the Ton of Brix helps the history of a beloved space live on.
When we first were approached about the site in 2019, we were told by the property agents that it was unoccupied as the previous landlords to Hondo (Market Row Ltd) had evicted the Club 414 tenants after a long process dating back to 2014, according to
Brixton Buzz. This had previously included plans to turn the space into
luxury flats or a Be At One by Market Row Ltd. When we started The Ton of Brix project, it was well before the Save Nour campaign that began in April 2020, and Taylor McWilliams/Hondo weren't in the spotlight as they are now. We have no involvement with Hondo outside of the fact that they are the landlords that we pay rent to—the same as huge numbers of other independent businesses across Brixton Village, Market Row and beyond.
We have been in touch with key voices from the Brixton community throughout the process of opening this venue - their input has been invaluable and we are forever grateful for it. In 2020 we sent a letter to the local community (reposted by
Brixton Buzz) with some clarity on the vision for the venue and also to assuage concerns that it was becoming a private members club, as had been rumoured. At the same time, we spoke to prominent voices in the area, including Brixton Buzz and members of the Save Nour campaign, as well as local figures in the music scene that had been part of the scene in the area for their whole lives. These discussions were part of our wider efforts to make sure that the venue got off to the right start and was able to serve the community as well as build up the reputation with the high standards that we have set ourselves. These proposals include supporting live music from the area, providing hospitality staff from local bars free entry after their shifts, stocking beers from local breweries, hosting open decks for aspiring local DJs and
more.
Back in 2019 when we started this venture, before the COVID-19 pandemic, it was estimated that 40 percent of London venues had closed in the last decade, which has massively escalated to crisis levels in the previous two years. We want to launch something that bucks this trend and provides a positive force in the area rather than lying vacant.
We're excited about opening and welcoming everyone into the venue."