More than 150 Clerkenwell residents have signed a petition objecting to Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration’s events license application.
The Quentin Blake Centre is set to open in May, but neighbours fear its application to hold events serving alcohol in the new exhibition space will create noise and anti-social behaviour.
One resident, Toby Hughes, said: “The community was encouraged to have such a cultural hub in their midst, but it looks like [the centre] wishes to turn it into much more of an entertainment venue. That, coupled with people leaving late at night into such a quiet neighbourhood, would be a bit of a disaster for the area.”
Neighbour, Max West, is leading the charge; she has made two petitions since February to object to the license, both of which attracted more than 100 signatures.
Ms West said: “The quiet of this place is exquisite and fundamental to the well-being of everybody in this neighbourhood.”
The centre has applied to host ad hoc events serving alcohol seven days a week from 8 am to 10.30 pm, including on bank holidays.
Ms West said this unrestricted “club license” would disturb the quiet cul-de-sac on Myddelton Passage. She said: “We’re going to hear everything. We know that when people drink, they get louder.”
A spokesperson for the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration said: “We value our relationship with the local community and take any concerns seriously.
“We are deeply committed to both minimising negative impact and making the Centre a positive, valued amenity for the local community, as galleries, learning spaces and gardens. We have also reassured residents that there are restrictions in place on the frequency of commercial events, the timing of activities and the use of music.”
Residents are awaiting further action from the council. A council licensing sub-committee will meet on 24th March to discuss the centre’s licence application.
