Legendary Camden venue KOKO is set to close its doors next month for at least a year ahead of a planned refurbishment.
Having first opened in 1900 as a theatre venue, the building was last refurbished in 2004 after closing its doors as the Camden Palace in February of that year. It then re-opened in 2005 under the KOKO name.
14 years on, KOKO will again take itself off the live music circuit in the capital ahead of a £40 million refurbishment. The building work will create six new performances areas and introduce a radio station and broadcast station.
A small number of restaurants and shops will also be introduced as part of the David Archer-led rebuild, which will take over nearby buildings and also expand the rooftop. Its 1500 capacity will not change, though.
KOKO plans to re-open in spring 2020 for what the venue is calling “an exciting new chapter in our history”.
“This isn’t just about offering a music venue. In the Camden spirit of independence, auteurship and eccentricity, we want to offer an unrivalled experience,” KOKO’s owner Olly Bengough said.
“London is a forward-facing city. Where we lead, the world follows and we have to move with it. We’re protecting the culture, helping Camden and London.”
KOKO will bow out in its current guise with two “finale parties”, which begin this Saturday (March 2) with the ‘KOKO 2020 Party’.