By Megan Howe

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An iconic London nightclub has confirmed it will close its doors in early 2026, bringing an end to over 25 years at the heart of the capital’s underground music scene with a farewell series of events.

Opened in 2002 by Adrian Jones and Amanda Moss, Corsica Studios has been a cornerstone of London’s clubbing scene — a space that has pushed the boundaries of what a club night could be, drawing in legendary artists like Jeff Mills and Björk.

But after more than two decades in the business, the 500-capacity, no-frills venue will close its doors for the final time in March next year, as redevelopment of the site goes ahead.

“Nothing lasts forever,” the official statement reads, acknowledging the growing pressures facing clubs and late-night venues — even those as beloved and well-supported as Corsica.

In their statement, the venue challenges claims made in the media that it is closing because they are being “forced out by developers” or “noise complaints from local residents”.

“There’s an element to all those things,” Jones told The Guardian.

Flats are now being built on the site of the former Elephant & Castle Shopping Centre — a £1.5 billion redevelopment led by Southwark Council and developers Delancey.

However, during the planning and design process, the presence and needs of a neighbouring nightclub appear to have been largely overlooked.

Now, in order to protect the venue from “potential noise complaints” and to ensure it can operate in the “same spirit” in which it was founded, Corsica has concluded that the best path forward is to close — at least for now.

“We truly appreciate all of the interest in our current situation and the numerous heartfelt messages of support. However, it’s important that we first address a few inaccurate comments and assumptions that have appeared recently in the media,” the statement reads.

“As Southwark Council will attest, we are a well-run, considerate venue operator and we are not on the receiving end of any noise complaints from local residents.

“We are also not being forced out by the developers or the council – we are in fact engaged in constructive dialogue with both parties about any potential future.

“This part is true though, Corsica Studios – as we currently know it – will close its doors at the end of March 2026.

“It’s no secret that operating a late-night venue such as ours has become increasingly difficult – especially in the midst of a huge new development – but for the last few years we’ve been working closely with Southwark Council, the Greater London Authority and the Music Venue Trust, as well as our team of consultants and the developers themselves, to try and secure a future for Corsica in the area.

“The challenge has been to see whether Corsica Studios could continue to operate in the same way and in the same spirit.

“We now believe that we have arrived at the best outcome possible for the space.”

The statement remains hopeful, however, that in time a new venue will emerge which will be “soundproofed” with a “long-term lease” and a “range of legal measures that will give the venue protection from any potential noise complaints from surrounding neighbours.”

“However, in order to achieve this, certain things about the building and its current format will have to change,” the statement went on.

“We understand that many of you may not be happy about this – and we too have been conflicted – but having run the space for so many years we believe that making these changes in order to preserve the venue in some form, and giving it the best possible chance of success in the future, is the right thing to do.

“Without evolving, the venue faces an almost impossible task but we are now in a position where we can future-proof the premises to allow a music and arts focused cultural space to co-exist with the neighbours and remain in Elephant & Castle.

“We have pursued a principle that was important to us, and for you – our community – to ensure we leave a legacy. Given what we’ve been facing, for us, this is a significant achievement.

“There is still much work to be done – and we’re still not sure what our next steps will be, though we shall definitely be taking a break. But for now, at least, we’ve decided to end on a high and go out in style.”

Corsica Studios will be running a series of farewell events from December 31 to March 29 to celebrate the last 25 years.

The closing program will cover the full spectrum of the venues influences and inspirations, it said, providing clubbers with an opportunity to dance, reflect and honour the people who helped shape Corsica Studios.

“When the doors finally close and we say goodbye, we will do so with the utmost gratitude to everyone who has been a part of our journey so far. We leave with our heads held high, a huge amount of pride in what we have all created together and countless amazing memories (at least the bits that we can actually remember)”, the statement concluded.