Clubs / News
Motion could be forced to close
One of Bristol’s most famous clubs could be forced to close as its current lease comes to an end.
Motion, located within a listed Victorian warehouse, has been a venue at the forefront of our city’s cultural life since it began hosting parties when it was still a skatepark in 2006.
But there is now a distinct possibility that the building could be sold and developed for other uses, leaving the club with an uncertain future when its lease runs out in July.
is needed now More than ever
Motion on Avon Street in St Philip’s also contains the Marble Factory music venue, which has gigs scheduled until June.
It is currently surrounded by development including the University of Bristol’s new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus just the other side of the Floating Harbour.
Its current operators lease the building from its owners and say that it has “always been a balancing act to respect the landlord’s potential plans to sell or realise the asset while continuing our operations”.
In a statement published to the Motion website, managing director Daniel Deeks said that Motion’s success “stems from a focus on operational efficiency, strategic partnerships and an experienced team that adapts to changing trends”.
He said: “Innovation, artist collaborations and a wide range of events have kept us at the heart of the local nightlife scene.
“Support from our community and our commitment to quality programming have ensured we remain relevant and profitable.”
Motion is located in a former Victorian warehouse near Temple Meads – photo: Motion
The current custodians of Motion had an opportunity to potentially purchase the building but only if it were not used as a going concern.
Deeks said that other revenue streams will be necessary “to make it a sustainable long-term investment”.
He said: “The implications for future development and sale are complex. 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.
“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.”
Motion was named the 11th best nightclub in the world by DJ Mag in 2019 – photo: Motion
Deeks said: “Our lease is set to expire in July 2025, and as it stands, the current plan is for us to cease trading at that point.
“This impending lease expiration brings significant uncertainty and concern – not just for us as Motion’s operators, but for everyone connected to the venue, including our dedicated staff, the artists who call this place home, and the wider Bristol community that has supported us through thick and thin.
“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.”
According to Deek, a new lease agreement “would need to include terms that allow us to continue operating sustainably”.
“Alternatively, a sale to an owner willing to uphold its use as a cultural venue could be a lifeline, though finding such a buyer depends on recognizing the importance of preserving what Motion represents.
“Navigating this situation requires respecting our landlord’s decision while considering the broader implications for the local community, the cultural landscape and Bristol’s identity as a city.
“Spaces like Motion are irreplaceable; they are essential…
“The potential loss of Motion raises important questions about Bristol’s aspirations.
“Will we continue championing culture and creativity, or do we risk losing a vital part of what makes the city unique?
“With combined effort from local authorities, the government, and the community, we can work to ensure that venues like Motion are not only recognised for their value but actively supported for generations to come.
“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 recognise 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.”
Motion is currently surrounded by new development including the University of Bristol’s new campus – photo: Alder King
A website, 74 Avon Street, has been launched in order to sell the current home of Motion and the Marble Factory.
A spokesperson from Alder King, who are handling the sale of the site, said: “The current lease for 74-78 Avon Street ends in July 2025 and the site owners, who are not professional landlords or developers, can confirm that their intention is to sell the site.
“Motion as current tenants have been aware of the date that their lease ends since signing in 2015 and are welcome to bid for the site as part of the sale process.”
Main photo: Motion
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