Studio 338 has been damaged by fire.
This photo from a BBC helicopter shows the Greenwich club severely affected. News of the blaze surfaced online around midday GMT. According to several news reports, more than 100 firefighters descended upon the area surrounding the club—a recycling yard and several industrial units have also been affected.
There's currently no official word on the fire's cause, but you can view footage of the fire here. In the time since the blaze took hold, The Metropolitan Police confirmed 14 people have been arrested on suspicion of arson, and that one man is in hospital in critical condition after suffering severe burns.
Studio 338 is one of London’s best-loved spots for house and techno, with promoters such as Home, Art Of Dark, Cocoon and Elrow all hosting events there. It has only recently reopened after a refurbishment.
According to The Independent, the area has been cordoned off due to nearby gas cylinders.
Ticket holders to any upcoming Studio 338 events will be advised on the course of action once the outcome is confirmed.
Studio 338's general manager has since released a statement.By now I'm sure you all know about the fire we have had here at Studio 338. The blaze started just before midday today and is now totally extinguished. For now that is all the information I have but of course I will update everyone as soon as we know more about the extent of the damages and loss.
Myself and the team here want to thank you all for your support and the lovely messages we have received today. It's at times like this that you realise what wonderful people we have involved in London's dance music community.
Although this is of course a very sad and upsetting day for everyone who has worked, performed or partied at Studio 338, right now we have stay positive and strong. I and the awesome team here will do everything and anything to get us all back dancing together as soon as possible
Over the weekend, I read a beautiful line in Hilary Mantel's incredible Bring Up The Bodies. It goes: “The things you think are the disasters in your life are not the disasters really. Almost anything can be turned around: out of every ditch, a path, if you can only see it.”
That's ringing in my ears today as we take stock and work out the next steps. Things are only finished if you let them be. Our unity and love for music will prevail, I am 100% sure of it.
Finally, with regards to upcoming events and tickets, etc., the vast majority of you have understood that today is of course a bit early to even think about that. Our first priority is people's safety and understanding what has happened. Once we have had a chance to at least get an idea of the impact this has had, we will get straight onto what can be done for the near future and pre-booked tickets for events, which may now not be able to go ahead at 338.
