Lancaster music venue due to shut will now stay open "well into 2026"

A popular Lancaster music venue due to close at the end of the year will now stay open well into 2026.

Kanteena will continue operating at Brewery Lane while developers work on their wider plans for the site, it was announced on Friday.

Developers Marco Living and Axis-RE also said they will look to create a permanent cultural venue as part of their regeneration plans.

They said they'd listened to feedback from residents, after a huge outcry against demolishing Kanteena.

"Marco Living and Axis-RE are pleased to announce that Kanteena will remain in its current location while we develop our comprehensive masterplan for the Brewery Lane site, with plans under way for a permanent cultural venue that will enhance Lancaster's offering," said a spokesperson for the developers.

"Following extensive community feedback and our own experience of Lancaster's thriving cultural scene, including attending the recent music festival, we recognise the vital role venues like Kanteena and the Golden Lion play in Lancaster's unique cultural identity.

"We've been working closely with Kanteena throughout this process, and we're pleased to confirm they can continue operating from their current location well into 2026 while we progress our wider regeneration plans for the site.

"Beyond the immediate term, we're exploring the potential for creating a permanent cultural venue as part of our regeneration plans for the Brewery Lane site.

Below, Kanteena.

"Our early-stage vision could deliver:

"A significant space - providing a scale of space that could complement Lancaster's offering

"Multi-use - with potential to accommodate live music, performances, and community activities

"Integration with heritage - exploring opportunities to bring historic buildings back into meaningful community use

"Cultural quarter development - strengthening connections between existing cultural assets including The Dukes and Lancaster Grand

"Such a venue could operate as a true community asset - hosting performances and events while providing space for community activities and gatherings."

The developers have asked for support with their idea to open a permanent venue on the site, as part of long-awaited plans to regenerate the Canal Quarter area of Lancaster.

"As a private enterprise, we're committed to exploring how this vision could become reality, but we cannot do it alone.

"Delivering a permanent cultural venue of this ambition would require collaborative support from: Lancaster City Council, Arts Council England, Historic England, community and cultural organisations and local stakeholders and residents.

"We're laying down the gauntlet to all parties who have expressed support for Lancaster's cultural scene - help us explore how to turn this vision into reality.

"Early conversations with Lancaster City Council have been encouraging, and we're keen to develop genuine partnerships that could deliver lasting benefit for Lancaster.

"This venue is one element of our wider masterplan for the Brewery Lane site, which will be revealed in the coming weeks. The scheme encompasses multiple uses designed to benefit the whole Lancaster community - including housing, healthcare facilities, community spaces, and enhanced public realm.

"Further announcements about the other elements will follow in the next couple of weeks.

"This is an opportunity to explore creating something genuinely special for Lancaster - a permanent space that could serve the community for generations to come while preserving important heritage.

"We invite everyone invested in Lancaster's future to get behind this vision. If you're interested in supporting, contributing ideas, or getting involved as plans develop, we want to hear from you."

In September, there were hundreds of objections lodged with Lancaster City Council, to the plans to demolish Kanteena.

Many supporters of the venue, including Lancaster MP Cat Smith, rallied against the proposals.

Kanteena has been open on the site since 2019, and since then has hosted some of the biggest names in music. 

In July, the venue team released a statement announcing their imminent closure, which said:

"When we began building Kanteena at Brewery Lane six years ago, we always knew it was meant to be temporary.

"At the time, we expected to be here for no more than three years.

"As it stands, the notice we’ve been given is that this New Year's Eve (no sooner) will be our last night of Kanteena at Brewery Lane.

"Just to be clear. There is no drama. No one is ill. There are no financial issues and no secrets or scams.

"Our landlords have been brilliant throughout. Honouring every promise, including giving us plenty of time to wrap things up properly.

"We’ve had an amazing six years here, and we’re not slowing down now. Not a chance!

"We’re still booking acts right through to the end of the year and organising an epic farewell party for New Year’s Eve.

"We want the best for Lancaster. What a place! The great people we’ve met on this journey, and we’re determined to give you all a good time until we close.

"As for what comes next—plans are 'brewing', but nothing’s set in stone just yet. We'd love to stay, but when your time’s up, your time’s up."

In June, developers announced they had bought the derelict brewery site in Lancaster city centre aiming to transform it as part of the long-awaited Canal Quarter.

Marco Living and Axis-RE said they wanted to deliver a £100m "vibrant, commercial-led mixed-use" scheme on the land, and said they had acquired Lanmara Developments Ltd, owners of the site.

They later said they wanted to "take essential safety measures at the Brewery Lane land, beginning with the removal of structurally dangerous buildings".

Planning applications then went in to demolish buildings on the site, including Kanteena.

A further application then asked for permission to build a temporary 158-space public car park on the land.

Developers said the car park will ensure "the site remains productive whilst the comprehensive masterplan is being prepared" and that it would be built close to, but not on, the Kanteena site.

Read all the background to this story

Plans go in for new 158-space car park on Canal Quarter site in Lancaster - Beyond Radio

Kanteena team "exploring all options" as they hope to continue in Lancaster - Beyond Radio

Venue boss 'humbled' by level of support as developers and MP have say on demolition plans - Beyond Radio

Music fans rally against plans to demolish popular Lancaster venue - Beyond Radio

'Final Chapter' for groundbreaking Lancaster music venue - Beyond Radio

Demolition work announced for £100m brewery site revamp in Lancaster - Beyond Radio

Developers plan £100m revamp of old brewery site in Lancaster - Beyond Radio

Lancaster Canal Quarter revamp is officially backed by council - Beyond Radio