We all probably have some fantastic, if a little hazy, memories of Snobs in Birmingham City Centre. The nightclub has been open since 1972 (almost 50 years!) meaning its serviced generations of revellers with indie and rock music. Over those years, cheap drinks, banging tunes and a buzzing (and sticky) dancefloor has made Snobs an institution in Birmingham. Some might even say it’s a right of passage for all students new to Brum.
But could that all be about to change? A developer confirmed at a recent public meeting (February 28), on the future of the Ringway Centre, that the indie venue could be demolished. Birmingham City Council is currently discussing ways to replace the Ringway Centre, first opened in 1962, with Snobs nightclub sitting underneath it and left at threat.
Commercial Estates Group (CEG) submitted a planning application last year to replace the Ringway Centre with three new buildings. These would feature up to 1,750 new flats, plus a spa, cinema, gym and nightclub. But there’s no room for Snobs apparently.
“They’re a tenant,” said Nick Jones, who represents CEG, to LDRS. “And the lease is coming to an end. We’ve had various discussions around whether they should be able to come back in or not, but then this will be a construction site for a number of years. So for them to continue trading would be to find a new location.”
This is absolutely devastating news to many us, but for Snobs its not the first time they’ve had to relocate. In 2014, the nightclub had to move from its original home in Paradise Circus due to development works – so this might not mean the end. For now, the party continues over at Snobs. But for how long?