January 23, 2007 12:18

Hammersmith Palais loses survival fight

The west London venue will close in April

Music fans fighting to prevent the demolition of Hammersmith Palais have lost their campaign to save the legendary venue.

Despite campaigners continued attempts to have the building listed, Fulham and Hammersmith Council have approved proposals by property developers Parkway Properties to knock the venue down and turn it into a restaurant and office block.

The development of the venue hinged on a "conservation area of consent" being granted, which was finally given the go ahead yesterday (January 22).

Hammersmith and Fulham councillor Lucy Ibimy told BBC 6 Music: “We recognise the contribution the Palais has made to the west London music scene, but the golden days of the club are long gone.”

During its 90-year history, the legendary venue has played hosts to the likes of U2, Sex Pistols The Rolling Stones, and was immortalised by The Clash song '(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais'.

The venue has also staged the Shockwaves NME Awards for the last four years, and plays host to this year's ceremony on March 1.

It has also been the scene of several Shockwaves NME Awards Shows, including Hard-Fi last year (pictured), while Kasabian (February 13) and Jamie T (March 2) play the venue this year.