Heaven owner: Massive rent rise puts hospitality venues at risk
- Published
Clubgoers queue outside Heaven, in Charing Cross, when it reopened after Covid
The owner of Heaven nightclub has said vastly increased rents are putting hospitality venues at risk of closure.
Jeremy Joseph said his landlord, The Arch Company, wanted to put rent up "by another £240,000", on top of an £80,000 automatic increase.
"They aren't willing to back down - so it's going to go to arbitration. It has already cost us nearly £10,000 in legal fees," he said.
The Arch Company said Heaven was "a long-term and valued customer".
A statement from the landlord continued: "We have been working closely with them to reach an agreement on the market rent for their premises.
"Unfortunately, we have not been able to agree this between ourselves and so an independent third party has now been appointed to help resolve [it]."
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Mr Joseph posted on social media he was "going public" to let everyone know "what we are going through", after seeing how so many venues had closed or were struggling due to rent increases.
"It's been extremely stressful and the fight has just begun as its time to put public pressure on landlords," he said.
"This isn't just about Heaven, this is about every hospitality venue."
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- Published20 June 2023
