Ministry safe, Oslo to open

The Ministry Of Sound nightclub's future has been assured, after its owners reached an agreement with property developer Oakmayne over a new block of flats to be built opposite the venue. The Ministry team had successful convinced Southwark Council's planning department that the 41 storey building would cause problems for its business - predicting complaints from new neighbours about noise. However, London mayor Boris Johnson then agreed to review the decision, saying that the two sides should get together and work out a solution themselves. Oakmayne has agreed to adapt the design of its building to make it more soundproofed and Johnson approved the planning application on the 19th December, with building work due to commence shortly. In a statement, Ministry Of Sound Group's chief exec Lohan Presencer said: "We are pleased to have reached an agreement with [Oakmayne's business partners] Englewood Ltd that safeguards our future while allowing new development in Southwark. This is a significant planning breakthrough for London, setting a precedent for how new housing and existing businesses can live together. We are grateful to the Mayor for his efforts and look forward to welcoming our new neighbours to the area". Work on the new development is due to be completed in 2017.

And the new East London venue from DHP Family, Oslo in Hackney, will now open on the 17th January. The original opening date was missed after a neighbouring building suffered a structural failure.The new space will stage both gigs and club nights, as well as operating as a bar and restaurant.