Liverpool club Meraki is saved from redevelopment

Independent arts and music venue, Meraki, saved from redevelopment after local council deny planning permission to build a block of flats across the road.

Date published: 19th Jan 2023

Independent arts and music venue, Meraki has been saved from forthcoming redevelopment after the local council denied planning permission to build a block of flats across the road. 

The venue posted a video on Instagram explaining the plans put forward in February 2022 to redevelop the area and create the flats have been denied and that the venue is safe. The developer has six months to appeal the decision with amendments, so it is possible Meraki will come under threat again soon. Still, this is a huge win for this vital cultural hub.  

To help prevent the plans from going ahead, Meraki created a template for supporters to use to email to the council, explaining the area was designated by that same council as the city’s new creative hub and that Meraki is a cultural asset.

Photo: meraki / Facebook.com 

The Instagram caption thanks everyone who raised a representation to the council, and says they’re, “forever indebted to each and every one of you that helped even a tiny bit”. 

Meraki’s Instagram message ends with, “Again, this doesn’t necessarily mean we’re safe forever, another building around the corner could apply for planning permission tomorrow for all we know, but for the time being at least we’ll party with a little less baggage this weekend.”

This case proves how vital it is for us to stand up for our venues when they come under threat. Without who knows how many supporters emailing the council, the outcome could have been drastically different. If a venue near you is under threat, it’s crucial you do what you can to prevent its closure. These are our spaces to let loose, enjoy music and each other's company, celebrate art, and keep our local scenes thriving. 

Check out our What's On Guide to discover more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.

Header image credit: meraki / Facebook.com