New operator planned for university music venue
BBCA new operator is set to take over a popular music venue in Leicester.
The O2 Academy, which currently owns the lease for the nightclub area in the University of Leicester's Percy Gee building, confirmed its contract will end in December.
A university spokesperson said they plan to refurbish the space after the lease ends, before finding a new operator.
They want the new leaseholder to "deliver a vibrant programme of club nights, concerts, activities and events for students", they said.
Opened in 2010, the O2 Academy Leicester hosts live music as well as nightclub events for students.
Events are currently has listed at the venue until 12 December on its website, with comedy shows also scheduled for 2027.
The university said it will be "engaging with students and their representatives" as part of the work, which is due to start in January.
It said it aims to refurbish the nightclub as part of wider investment into the building, with work to expand practice spaces for student societies, add new social and faith spaces, and develop The Square to take place.
"The redevelopment will make these spaces more accessible to students throughout the week, rather than primarily for Wednesday night events," a spokesperson said.
"At present, much of the O2 area is reserved for public events – run by O2 and external organisations – and is often unavailable to students during the day and evening."
The Academy Music Group, which runs the O2 Academy, confirmed that their partnership will end at the end of this year, but declined to comment further.
Listen to BBC Radio Leicester on Sounds and follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.
