Camden approves Blitz Club demolition for 80-room aparthotel

Camden Council has approved the demolition of the former Blitz Club building in Covent Garden, a site known for launching the careers of Spandau Ballet and Boy George in the late 1970s. The decision, made on 30 July, paves the way for an 80-room aparthotel complex that will incorporate the adjacent Kingsway House, an eight-storey Edwardian building that has been vacant since 2022.

The Blitz Club operated at the site between 1979 and 1980 and became a cultural landmark. It was credited with fostering the New Romantic subculture and was known for its strict door policy, which required patrons to dress as "a walking piece of art," as described by the London Museum. Regulars included fashion designers and musicians who shaped 1980s style.

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Conservation objections overruled

The Kingsway Conservation Area Advisory Committee formally objected to the application. The group argued that the replacement building would be too large for the surrounding streets and that the former club, despite its poor condition, contributed to the area’s historic character. Camden Council acknowledged the development would cause "low-level" harm but ruled that the benefits of bringing the derelict buildings back into use outweighed these concerns.

Beyond Aparthotels, the operator of the new complex, described the aparthotel model as offering more space and privacy than traditional hotels. The company expects most guests to stay for one to three weeks, catering to medium-term visitors rather than short-term tourists. The development will remain strictly commercial, with no provision for permanent residential use.

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What happens next

With planning approval granted, Beyond Aparthotels can now proceed with the demolition and construction work. No timeline for the start or completion of the project has been confirmed by the council or the operator. Residents or interested parties seeking updates on the development’s progress can contact Camden Council’s planning department.