The team behind under-threat venue Motion say they have gained ‘significant financial backing’ in their bid to stay open.
In a post on Instagram, they put out a lengthy message to supporters outlining the work that was ongoing in a bid to keep the site open.
Motion announced it would be closing in November last year, with bosses of the venue citing mounting challenges such as economic pressures, changing regulations and social factors. The owners of the site in Avon Street have reportedly rejected a request for a lease extension and put the venue up for sale.
Motion Bristol said at the time in a post on Facebook: “We now find ourselves in a challenging position as the property is up for sale. While we are devoted to preserving this cherished space, the owners have expressed their intention to sell to local developers, seeking higher returns.”
Now Motion’s owners have issued an update in Instagram. They said: “We’ve put forward a strong, carefully thought-out bid to the landlords of the Motion site – one that not only offers a significant sum of money but also lays out a solid planning case for why the venue must remain.
“This isn’t about buying ourselves a bit more time, it’s about securing Motion for generations to come.”
They go on to thank supporters for their support since the announcement last year but say it is likely they will be forced to leave the site in July. In a plea to the council, they say: “Motion isn’t just a nightclub, it’s a vital part of Bristol’s cultural and economic heritage. It’s a space that brings people together, provides jobs and contributes to the local economy.
“It aligns with the council’s own policies on cultural spaces, yet time and time again we’ve seen how easily these spaces can be lost. The policies exist – the question is whether the council is willing to stand by them.”
But those behind Motion have not given up hope of finding a way to keep it open and say they are making moves to try and secure its future.
“We’ve secured significant financial backing and have the support of local bodies that recognise Motion’s value, including efforts to have the venue registered as an Asset of Community Value.”
In November last year, the current owners of the Motion site said: “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.”