Middlesbrough Empire to close after 33 years under new ownership

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 28 Oct, 13:40 · Archive

Middlesbrough Empire will close on 17 November after 33 years following a change in ownership.

Middlesbrough Empire will close its doors on 17 November after 33 years in operation. The closure follows a change of ownership, with new owners taking over the venue. The current owners, management team and all existing staff will no longer be part of the venue's future.

The building, located on Corporation Road, first opened in 1899 and hosted entertainers including Charlie Chaplin and Harry Houdini before reopening as a multi-floor live music venue and nightclub in 1991. Over the past three decades, it has hosted numerous acts and drawn thousands of people to Middlesbrough for club nights, live music and events. Recent performers have included Pete Tong, Arctic Monkeys and James Arthur.

Outgoing general manager and director Jordan Jefferson told BBC Radio Tees the venue would be refurbished and reopen as "a venue of some sort" under the new ownership, though he said he did not know further details. He described it as "definitely an emotional time all around".

All events scheduled to take place at the Empire after 17 November will be relocated to alternative venues. Several gigs have already been confirmed to move elsewhere, including Maximo Park, which will now play at Middlesbrough Town Hall. The Feeling and Kasabian are also among acts that will perform at other venues.

In a statement, the club thanked its patrons and staff over the years, saying the venue had been "more than just a venue" and a place where "friendships have been made, memories created, celebrations shared and countless nights out enjoyed". The current owners plan to hold a final weekend of farewell parties before the closure.

Middlesbrough Empire to close after 33 years under new ownership — Image: BBC Tees

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How it is being reported

Nightclub to change ownership after three decadesClub and music venue Middlesbrough Empire will close in its current form on 17 November.BBC Tees · 28 Oct, 13:32
End of an era for Middlesbrough Empire as venue to close following ownership changeGigs set to take place at Middlesbrough Empire after the closing date will be relocated, it has been confirmedTeessideLive · 27 Oct, 14:36
'End of an era' as North East nightclub announces closure after 33 yearsMiddlesbrough Empire will close in its current form on November 17 after 33 years, with a final weekend of farewell parties planned.The Northern Echo · 27 Oct, 14:04

In this story: Middlesbrough Empire · Barry Faulkner · Jordan Jefferson · Middlesbrough

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