Motion Bristol has announced that it will close its doors to partygoers next year. Manager Director Daniel Deeks confirmed the news this afternoon (Wednesday, November 13) and said the venue is expected to cease trading in July 2025.
He said the lease for the iconic site in Avon Street is set to expire next summer which could result in the building being sold or repurposed. He said the loss of Motion “would affect Bristol’s identity as a cultural hub and diminish its reputation for supporting arts, music, and creative expression”.
Like many other live entertainment venues across the UK, recent years have been hard for Motion. Mr Deeks cited mounting challenges such as economic pressures, changing regulations, and social factors have significantly impacted the sector.
He described it as a “balancing act” to respect the plans of the current landlord while continuing to host events for partygoers. Bosses of Motion reportedly had a chance to buy the listed building and conducted a pre-application process with Bristol City Council last year.
The council supported Motion, describing it as a “cultural space”. They also said it has “national prominence and is an economic asset to the city”.
Mr Deeks said: “This context clarifies that, despite our resilience and commitment, the pressures and limitations surrounding our building and its potential development have brought us to this point. The building’s owner understandably wants to maximize the asset’s value, which may involve future development or a potential sale.
“On the other hand, the council recognizes Motion’s cultural importance and insists that any changes align with preserving this use. The implications for future development and sale are complex.”
He continued: “If the building were to be sold or significantly redeveloped without regard for its established use as a cultural venue, it would likely face strong resistance from the council.
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“Their policies make it clear that any change in use would need to be justified by public benefits and support Motion’s continued operation or a similar cultural asset.
“This means that any prospective buyer or developer would need to consider these limitations, potentially affecting the attractiveness of the sale or the feasibility of any major development plans.”
Impending closure
Mr Deeks said that Motion intends to cease trading in July 2025. He said the recent announcement brings uncertainty and concern to everyone connection with the venue.
He explained: “The reality is that the end of our lease brings the prospect of the building being sold or repurposed, which could mean the loss of a venue that has been a pillar of the local and national nightlife scene for years. Sale or redevelopment could spell the end of an era, transforming a vibrant cultural space into something unrecognizable and disconnected from the music and arts community it has served.
“This situation has consequences beyond the closure of one venue. Motion’s loss would affect Bristol’s identity as a cultural hub and diminish its reputation for supporting arts, music, and creative expression. Venues like ours contribute significantly to the local economy, bringing in revenue not only from ticket sales but from hospitality, tourism, and local services that thrive from the events we host.”
‘Deeply saddened’ by the news
Mr Deeks said that the news of the closure is “deeply saddening”. He added that he remains hopeful that Motion will continue to thrive through “collective effort and understanding”.
He said: “As we reach this difficult juncture, we are deeply saddened by the reality that Motion may have to close its doors in July 2025. Being part of Bristol’s vibrant scene has been a privilege, and the city has given us so much. Yet, it sometimes feels that Bristol doesn’t fully recognize the value of its cultural spaces.
“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 spaces is not always as straightforward as it should be.
“Navigating this uncertain future is challenging, especially when the value of our culture sometimes feels overlooked. Nonetheless, we remain hopeful that through collective effort and understanding, Motion can continue to thrive, and Bristol can learn to better appreciate and protect the cultural gems that make it so unique.”
For all of the latest reaction to the closure of Motion, follow our live blog here.