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Owners of live music venue the Battersea Barge are worried that their future may be under threat. Property developers The St. James’ Group, who have recently purchased the land around the moorings of the barge, are applying for planning permission to build a large development of flats, offices and restaurants along Nine Elms Lane leading down to the river. At an exhibition of the new plans organised recently by the St James group, the owners of the Battersea Barge were shocked to see that there were no plans for either the barge or the residential moorings, although they were told that no firm plans had been made in regard to this matter.

Peter Lewis, the owner of the Battersea Barge told us “We have no problems with the proposals per se as this area was always ripe for development but we want to make sure that the barge and the local house boats remain where they are. I believe the barge is unique. We have been running for ten years now and in this time we have built up a very special live performance space and are often the first step on the ladder to a career in the performing arts”.

MU London Official (Gigs and Venues), Jo Laverty spoke to a representative in the planning department of Wandsworth Council who assured her that the proposed development could not deny public access to the river walkway (and therefore the venue). However the council will be forwarding a copy of the planning application to the MU for comment, once it has been received from the St James Group. If there is any threat to the venue the MU will of course take appropriate action.

In the meantime, if you have any experience of the Battersea Barge - maybe you have performed there or come to see a show; Peter Lewis is asking for letters and emails in support of the venue. He is hoping to compile a dossier of letters and comments to present to the planning committee You can also go to: www.tidewayvillage.com and sign the petition or see:www.batterseabarge.com for more information about the venue.

from www.musiciansunion.org.uk 12/8/10