11 Jan #Harlow: Cllr Jon Clempner on closure of The Square “Our offer is still open to assist the Square’s management”
Councillor Jon Clempner, Leader of the Council, said: “We share residents and local musicians’ disappointment that for the second time in recent years the hugely popular music venue The Square will be closing.
“There is no doubt that The Square makes a fantastic contribution to culture in Harlow and its loss will be huge. That is one of the reasons why we refused Circle Anglia’s planning application in January 2015. Unfortunately this decision was overturned on appeal by the Government’s Planning Inspector in September 2016.”
It is understood that the venue had initially closed in December 2015 but reopened and almost got back to business as normal stage.
Cllr Clempner added “Our offer is still open to assist the Square’s management and look at what support, including possible financial support, we could provide them if they find a suitable alternative venue.
“The Square’s management have worked tirelessly to keep this much loved facility going since 2008. We thank them for the service and the cultural contribution they have provided to the town from this iconic Fourth Avenue building. If the Square’s management does regrettably decide not to carry on and run a similar venue elsewhere then the Council will explore every avenue with other groups and organisations so that our young people’s musical talent can be nurtured. However, Harlow Council will not be able to fund or directly provide a complete replacement live music venue like the Square. With continued Government funding cuts, we are working hard to fund and maintain the many services and buildings we already provide the community.”
