London's Oval Space rebrands as Oval Studios months after licence removal

East London club Oval Space has relaunched as a multi-purpose events space called Oval Studios following the removal of its license to operate as a nightclub.

Described as "London's most versatile warehouse", the 900-capacity venue is now licensed as a studio space for filming, as well as to host events like gallery exhibitions and immersive experiences. Its current license allows it to be used between 6am and midnight.

Oval Studios' website describes the space as a "multi-purpose, blank canvas venue with 400 square metres of flexible indoor and outdoor space". Its operators, Spaces & Stories, are also involved in the running of a number of other event spaces in London, such as the 20,000-capacity Dockyards and much-loved club Printworks.

Oval Space closed as a nightclub and gig venue in September 2022 after an alleged shooting at the venue. Tower Hamlets Council placed the venue's license under review shortly after the incident and officially revoked it a few days later following a council meeting in which views in favour of and against the venue were heard.

"In the opinion of a senior police officer of the Metropolitan Police, the above premises are associated with serious crime and disorder or both and concerns in relation to public safety and prevention of public nuisance," said a statement at the time of the license review. "Lack of management of the premises and lack of adequate searching [have lead] to serious incident [taking] place."

Read more about Oval Studios via its website.