London's Ministry of Sound may close amidst conflict with new housing development

An electronic music landmark in London is fighting its own demise as plans for a new real estate development loom in the future. The Ministry of Sound, a club in the Newington neighborhood, has "only" been around for 21 years, but it stands prominently in the electronic music scene. Built in 1991 by James Palumbo, the club was ranked no. 7 in the world among EDM venues by DJ Magazine, and has developed its own record label thanks to its popularity.

During 2009 a plan was announced to build a 41-story residential tower, the Eileen House development, roughly 35 feet from the location of the club. Although the closure of the club was not guaranteed by the the housing proposal, representatives of the MoS argue that the inevitable noise complaints that will be filed by tenants at the new building will force the club to end its open-24-hour policy and eventually lead to its shutdown.

Lohan Presencer, chief executive for the Ministry of Sound group, is reaching out to Mayor Boris Johnson to ensure that steps are taken to prevent noise complaints in the future. The club is requesting that developers Oakmayne be legally required to install acoustically-sealed windows and other features to prevent noise problems. In short, a solution that will make both sides (tenants and club-goers) happy. Of course, such a solution isn't cheap.

Similar clubs around London have faced similar development issues in the past, and have closed as a result. Presencer asked Johnson: "Don't stop the music."

Historicism might not save a building however. New York City's famed Roseland Ballroom was recently added to the list of soon-to-be-demolished landmarks. No reason has been given for its closing, but owner Laurence Ginsberg has been touting a new apartment development since 1996.