Spare Time

Stepney's Nightclub on Commercial Road, which has been the venue for a number of music videos and film shoots, may be demolished under plans to convert the space into housing.

The nightclub, which was built in the 1970s, has been derelict for five years. But music fans say that it is an iconic cultural landmark. It still has its original décor, including a 70s dance floor, which was the scene for indie band Pulp’s 'Common People' music video.

An online petition to save Stepney's Nightclub has attracted more than 500 signatures.

Swan Housing Association, which owns the land on which the nightclub currently lies, has said that it would like to build residential flats on the site.

Stepney's dancefloor in Pulp's video

Akin Durowoju, assistant director of development and regeneration at Swan Housing, told BBC London: "Stepney's Nightclub is not a landmark. I don’t see that it has any cultural value."

Divided opinions

The chairperson of the Resident's Board of Exmouth Estate, which neighbours the Stepney's nightclub, says that many local people are keen to see Stepney's Nightclub redeveloped. George Ferris told BBC London: "Stepney's Nightclub is an eyesore – all the paint has peeled off.

"Even when it was open there was a lot of trouble at the club – including drugs and fights. The police were there almost every weekend."

The club is next door to a listed Georgian building, the George Tavern. Owner, Pauline Forster, says that Stepney's Nightclub should be preserved.

Watch her interview with Newham and Tower Hamlets reporter, Angela Saini, by clicking on the link at the top right of this page.

[email protected]