Beloved Camden Venue Famed by Spandau Ballet to Transform into Stylish New Hotel

Historic Nightclub Set for Transformation

The former site of the renowned Blitz Club, which played a pivotal role in the rise of musical talents such as Spandau Ballet and Boy George during the 1980s, is poised to be redeveloped into an apartment hotel complex. Camden Council has granted approval for the demolition of a disused building in Covent Garden that hosted the iconic club from 1979 to 1980, a venue that left an indelible mark on both music and cultural landscapes over the years.

On Thursday, July 30, the local planning authority sanctioned plans to dismantle the building that once housed the nightclub, alongside refurbishing the neighbouring Kingsway House, an eight-storey Edwardian structure that has remained unoccupied since 2022. The redevelopment will seamlessly merge both buildings into a single complex featuring 80 rooms, operated by Beyond Aparthotels.

Innovative Concept of Aparthotels

This new “aparthotel” concept offers a hybrid form of accommodation that combines the spaciousness of an apartment with the conveniences typically associated with hotels. Guests will enjoy hotel-like amenities while benefiting from increased space and privacy, thus resembling a more traditional residential setting. Importantly, these facilities will remain strictly for commercial visitors and will not serve as permanent residences.

The design of the complex aims to promote longer stays compared to conventional hotels, with the operator anticipating that most weekend clientele will book medium-term stays lasting between one to three weeks.

The Legacy of the Blitz Club

As noted by curators at the Design Museum, the Blitz Club was described as “trailblazing,” marking the inception of 1980s style and drawing inspiration from icons such as David Bowie, as well as cabaret culture, punk, and soul music. The venue is credited with nurturing the New Romantic subculture, a movement that defined a generation. It was particularly famous for its selective entry policy, enforced by co-founder Steve Strange, who turned away anyone not presenting themselves as “a walking piece of art,” as highlighted by the London Museum.

The club’s exclusive Tuesday night gatherings attracted a host of notable patrons, including fashion designer Stephen Linard and the founders of the influential fashion label BodyMap. Throughout its brief 18-month existence, the club hosted performances by artists such as Boy George, Visage, and Spandau Ballet during their inaugural live shows.

Community Concerns and Council’s Decision

Despite the enthusiasm for the redevelopment, local group Kingsway Conservation Area Advisory Committee formally objected to the planning application on various grounds. They argued that the proposed new building would be excessively large and imposing for the surrounding area, and that the former nightclub, despite its deteriorating condition, contributed positively to the historic character of the locale.

However, the council concluded that the additional height and mass of the new structure would result in only “low-level” harm, which was outweighed by the advantages of revitalising the derelict buildings. The decision marks a significant step towards breathing new life into a historic site while honouring its cultural significance.