Corsica Studios, the iconic music venue in Elephant and Castle known for hosting intimate sets by Bjork and LCD Soundsystem, will close its doors in March 2026 due to rising costs and the need for extensive renovations. The 500-capacity venue, which operates under railway arches, has been a staple of London's nightlife since 2002.
In a statement, management confirmed that the venue will shut on March 26 after a series of farewell parties. They emphasised that the closure is not due to pressure from developers or the council, but rather the 'impossible task' of continuing in a building that requires significant refurbishment. Plans are underway to renovate the space with support from Southwark Council and charities, aiming to create a soundproofed venue with a long-term lease.
The venue originally opened in Corsica Street, Highbury, before moving to King's Cross and eventually settling in Elephant and Castle. It has weathered the area's multi-million pound redevelopment and remains a hub for cutting-edge music, hosting acts like Hot Chip, Four Tet, and Andrew Weatherall. However, gentrification and rising costs have taken their toll, with over 3,000 night economy businesses closing in London between March 2020 and December 2023.
Local patrons expressed sadness at the news. Tash Simmonds, 27, described the venue as 'legendary', while Estefan Sousa noted its global draw. Student Liam Christie lamented the loss of 'music history' and the difficulty of finding such innovative spaces. Corsica Studios will host goodbye events from December 31 to March 29, celebrating its legacy of intimate, high-quality performances.
