Nightclub where footballer murdered set to re-open
FamilyA nightclub where a promising young footballer was murdered is set to have its operating licence restored, and could re-open under a different name in months.
Cody Fisher, 23, was stabbed on the dance floor of Crane in Digbeth, Birmingham, on Boxing Day 2022.
Two men, Remy Gordon and Kami Carpenter, were convicted of his murder and the club's licence was revoked in January 2023 over safety fears.
On Monday, a judge at Birmingham Magistrates' Court recommended for approval a consent order to restore the venue licence, with reinstatement in effect granted but subject to conditions on risk assessment and safety.
Andrew Evans, representing the city council, said the authority had three meetings with those seeking licence and West Midlands Police to draw up what is essentially a new licence, designed to meet present and future risks, with the venue to get a new name as part of the process.
Cody Fisher, a former Birmingham City FC academy footballer who had also played for Bromsgrove Sporting and Stratford Town, was pronounced dead at the scene in 2022, having suffered stab wounds to the chest and leg.
Evans told the court more than three years had "passed since those tragic events", and "everyone recognises and reflects on the fact that some losses can never be replaced".
The Licensing Act 2003, he added, continued to make "requirements to prevent crime and disorder and promote public safety", and the police had been involved in discussions on how to proceed to ensure adequate safeguards were put in place.
It was the parties' joint position to commend the consent order for approval, he stated.
As part of the agreement, venue operator Digital Arts Media has paid £30,000 towards the council's legal costs.
Nicholas Leviseur, acting on behalf of the company, told the BBC the venue would have a different senior management team to the Crane nightclub and its name would be changed.
The venue could re-open in the next few months, he added.
Leviseur also paid tribute to the collaborative work with the council and police.
The West Midlands force stated it had provided advice on steps that would need to be taken to ensure any venue that opened on the site was as safe as possible.
It said its specialist Birmingham licensing team worked with venues around the city to ensure they were doing everything they could "to make Birmingham a safe and attractive destination".
Police added their thoughts remained with Cody Fisher's family and everyone affected by his death.
Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
