Supporters of a beloved music venue are calling on the council to grant a permanent licence for hosting gigs.
Boom Leeds is hoping to continue showcasing bands at Canal Place in Armley, having relocated there with the assistance of fundraising and volunteers. The venue’s future was uncertain after it was forced to leave its previous location in Mabgate, where it had provided live events, rehearsal rooms, and studio space for more than a decade.
In May this year, Boom moved to Canalside Community Music Space and has since been operating under temporary event licences.
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Leeds City Council received 46 letters backing a new licence application, including endorsements from Leeds East MP Richard Burgon and the Music Venue Trust. Mr Burgon commended a fundraising initiative launched when Boom was required to vacate Mabgate due to redevelopment plans.
He said: “Boom Leeds is a very special place, not a standard run-of-the-mill music venue. It is a place imbued with the DIY ethos.”
In 2019, Mr Burgon put forward a parliamentary early day motion (EDM) in support of Boom, which was signed by 26 MPs. The following year, concerns were raised that the venue, also known as Temple of Boom, might not weather the Covid pandemic.
The Music Venue Trust (MVT) said the closure of the Magbate venue in March was met with an “outpouring of public sadness”. The statement read: “MVT is confident that granting this application will strengthen and diversify the cultural provision of the area, boosting the local economy and furthering the city of Leeds’ evening and night-time hospitality offering.”
However, the council received 18 objections from local residents who expressed concerns about potential noise disturbances if the venue was permitted to play music until 3am. One resident said: “Prolonged exposure to loud music and late-night activity will lead to serious disruption in what should be a peaceful residential area.”
To prevent public nuisance, conditions are being negotiated with the council and West Yorkshire Police.
A licensing sub-committee is set to review the application at a hearing at Leeds Civic Hall on Tuesday, September 16.
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