Anton Zhyzhyn
Over the past few weeks THUMP has brought you updates of The Arches' fight to appeal the decision to revoke its nightclub license after claims it was an unsafe environment with regards to drug abuse. It is with regret that we can now tell you the Glasgow venue has announced it has no option but to enter administration.Having met with legal advisors, and its board of directors, the difficult choice has been made to begin the process of appointing administrators for both Arches Theatre and Arches Retail Company Limited. Essentially, without the building's capacity as a club the institution stands set to lose 50% of its annual turnover, rendering it an unsustainable business.Gordon Kennedy, chairman of The Arches board of directors has said in a statement that, "The Board has taken professional advice and is left with no other choice than to begin the process of appointing administrators for both The Arches Theatre Ltd and Arches Retail Ltd. This decision has been taken with deep regret as it will have a major impact on our staff, business partners, customers, and on Glasgow's reputation for night time economy. Our hope is that the administrators, working with partners and stakeholders, can salvage some of the activities for which The Arches is renowned. The Board sincerely thanks our staff, customers, supporters, performers and partners for their support over the years. This is a very sad day for The Arches and for the city of Glasgow."He goes on to add how disappointed the team behind the Arches are with the decision: "For an unprecedented six years The Arches won gold standard under the Glasgow Community Safety/Strathclyde Police Best Bar None awards - recognition of best practice in maintaining safe and well-run premises. No other venue in Scotland has achieved that."Finally, The Arches board of directors extended their thanks to those who have made the venue what it is, and all those who have risen to support it during this period. Mark Anderson, the venue's executive director said, "We would like to gratefully acknowledge the invaluable contributions made by all staff, board, artists and partners over the years, and offer heartfelt thanks to our loyal customers who supported us throughout the years and were instrumental in making The Arches the iconic venue that it will always remain."Sadly, it seems, another institution has been removed from the UK's landscape.Follow Angus on Twitter.
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