I’m pleased to confirm that Hackney Council has decided to make Passing Clouds an Asset of Community Value. I hope this sends out a strong message about the cultural value of our live music venues, and how we as a Council will seek to protect them.

Passing Clouds was a unique venue with an exciting, creative yet community feel to it. In many ways it has become a victim of its own success; venues like it were the catalyst for the resurgence of Dalston’s night life, which has made the area such a profitable place for developers.

Sadly this doesn’t mean that it will be able to reopen immediately – ACV-status only offers groups the opportunity to express an interest in buying a property if the owner plans to sell it – but I hope it serves as a boost to the campaigners and sends out a message to the owners of the building that this venue and the community that developed around it is important and should be considered in any future plans.