Top nightclub may close over lease ending

Motion has consistently been voted as one of DJ Mag's top nightclubs in the UK

One of the UK's most renowned nightclubs has announced that it may be forced to close in 2025.

Bosses at Motion, located in the centre of Bristol beside the river Avon, announced on Instagram earlier that its lease will end in July 2025.

Motion is a Grade II listed industrial warehouse which has hosted events since 2006 and is recognised as one of the UK's most iconic clubs.

The building's owners said Motion was "welcome" to bid to take over the site after the club posted a message on social media saying it was facing "immense uncertainty".

The owners of 74-78 Avon Street, where the club is located, said in a statement: “The current lease for 74-78 Avon Street ends in July 2025 and the longstanding owners of the site, who are not professional landlords or developers, can confirm their intention to sell.

"Motion Events Ltd as a current tenant is aware of the end of lease date and are welcome to bid for the site.”

In an Instagram post, Motion bosses said: "Despite our heartfelt request for a lease extension and to purchase the property, the current owners have refused, leaving us facing immense uncertainty."

Motion hosts a wide range of events such as Bingo Lingo

Motion has consistently been voted as one of the UK's top 100 clubs by electronic music magazine DJ Mag.

The venue opened in 2003 when it was a skatepark called SK8 & Ride. In 2007, the venue expanded to accommodate larger crowds.

Since then it has hosted a variety of events, such as club nights, theatre shows, live music, festivals, sporting events, corporate hires and private events.

The club has hosted artists such as Jeff Mills, Floating Points, Chase & Status, JME, Hunee, Mr Scruff, Patrick Topping and The Chemical Brothers.

In a statement released on its website, the owners said that music venues have faced "mounting challenges" in recent years.

"The UK has long been celebrated for its vibrant nightlife, with venues known for their unique atmospheres, music, and experiences," the statement reads.

"However, in recent years, the industry has faced mounting challenges, making it increasingly difficult for venues to stay open.

"Economic pressures, changing regulations, and social factors have significantly impacted the sector, transforming the UK's nightlife landscape."

In September 2024, the team behind Motion opened up a new venue in St Jude's called Document Bristol.

But Nightclub bosses have revealed that their lease for Motion is set to expire in July 2025, and as it stands, the current plan is to cease trading at that point.

Motion bosses said they had an opportunity to potentially purchase the building, but only if it were not used as a going concern.

"This impending lease expiration brings significant uncertainty and concern - not just for us as Motion's operators, but for everyone connected to the venue," the team said in a statement.

In a post on Instagram, the team thanked Bristol City Council for their "unwavering" support.

"The city's creativity and music scene are the lifeblood of its identity, but the challenges we face as a venue make it clear that preserving and supporting these venues is not always as straightforward as it should be."