Corsica Studios, one of South London’s most celebrated nightclubs, will permanently close in 2026. The news was confirmed on September 29, with sources telling Mixmag that the venue will shut its doors after 22 years of operation.
Reasons Behind the Closure
While the club’s owners have not yet issued an official statement, sources speaking to The Londoner cited rising costs and noise complaints from new residential developments as major factors. Located under railway arches near Elephant and Castle, Corsica Studios has long faced challenges linked to gentrification in the area.
Funding and Struggles
In 2018, Corsica received £125,000 from real estate firm Delancey to soundproof the venue, as part of the Elephant and Castle town centre redevelopment. Two years later, the club was granted £400,000 in Arts Council funding to help survive the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, Southwark News reported in 2023 that the venue was “under threat” due to further expansion of Delancey’s project, with a proposed relocation deemed financially “unviable” due to licensing and soundproofing costs.
A Landmark in London Nightlife
Founded by Adrian Jones and the late Amanda Moss in 2002, Corsica Studios quickly became a cornerstone of the capital’s underground music culture. The venue won “Best Small Club” at DJ Mag’s Best of British Awards in both 2009 and 2019, and was consistently voted among the world’s best clubs by DJ Mag readers, most recently in 2022.
Iconic Parties and Events
Corsica’s programming has played a vital role in shaping London’s club scene. Highlights include jungle and drum & bass night Rupture, founded by Mantra and Double O; acid house party I Love Acid; Evian Christ’s Trance Party; the sex-positive day event Joyride; and underground staples such as Origins, Planet Fun, and Insomnia. The venue also became a cultural backdrop, hosting DJ Mag’s cover shoot with Rupture.
Legacy in UK Club Culture
Over two decades, Corsica Studios has established itself as a hub for experimental music, underground parties, and community-driven nightlife. Its closure in 2026 will mark the end of a defining chapter in London club culture.