Nightclub in former church announces sudden closure

Charlotte AndrewsBBC News
News imageHalo Bournemouth purple strobe lights in old church building with people dancingHalo Bournemouth
The club has been operating under the Halo brand since 2013

A well-known Bournemouth nightclub based in a converted church has announced its sudden closure.

The Grade II listed building on Exeter Road - previously St Andrew's United Reform Church and built in the late 19th Century - has been operating under the Halo brand since 2013.

Following its change of use, the venue was first known as Landmarc and later V before being bought by the current owners.

The owners said they were shutting because of the rising cost of living, something they claimed had hit students' pockets particularly hard.

News imageKeith Edkins/Geograph Former St Andrew's Church buildingKeith Edkins/Geograph
The church building on Exeter Road was built in the late 19th Century and became listed in the 1970s

In a post on social media, the owners said the past few years had been "exceptionally challenging" for the late-night economy sector.

They added: "After several months of diligent effort to renegotiate our lease terms, we regret to inform you that the Halo journey has come to an end.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our loyal customers and incredible teams who have made Halo such an iconic venue for not only Bournemouth but nationally for over a decade."

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