Peckham residents are largely positive about a proposal to redevelop a disused Victorian building on the high street as a nightclub and live music venue.

The plans, submitted in October to Southwark Council, would see the 1867, five-storey Peckham Palais go from a state of disrepair to a mixed-use venue. The building, which is on the corner of Peckham High Street, originally served as the Jones and Higgins department store, one of the more voguish shops of its day.

The council will make its decision in December.

Locals tend to hold a positive view towards the change. Residents told SLL it is “fantastic news”, believing that they ‘really need somewhere nice to go’ and bringing the building back to life with the proposal of food, dance and theatre is ‘a cultural plus’. Marcos Paredes, a teen who lives just a few minutes walk from Peckham Palais, said he is excited: “I would love to have a new place to hang out with my friends. Plus, it is a waste leaving such a big place unused around.’’

The proposal was made by Louis Hyams, founder of Night Group, which transforms unused sites. It is estimated that the venue can hold at most 1,500 visitors. The ground level in the new club (unnamed at the moment) will act as a reception, while the first floor will become a bar, which also offers food. On the second floor, the area will operate as a 55 sq metre dance floor, with a bar alongside. The office and storage is on the third floor. The club’s longest opening hours will be Friday and Saturday from seven at night to five in the morning. 

Since being left vacant, Peckham Palais is considered the ‘most at- risk’ Neo- Renaissance endangered building in London.