A new LGBTQ+ cultural space, Chroma, is set to open in the disused railway arches at Bankside Yards, on the former site of the gay nightclub XXL.
The space, next to the Tate Modern on London’s South Bank, will feature a 140 seat studio theatre, a licensed cafe-bar and a workspace area with private studios and co-working areas.
Owned by Native Land, The Trampery, a queer-owned specialist in workspaces and cultural facilities, were selected to deliver and operate Chroma through a competitive vendor process in 2023.
Until 2019, the space was previously inhabited by XXL, a gay nightclub that had been operating since 2000.
The Bankside development faced backlash after the closure of XXL, which catered for the gay subculture of ‘bears’. In 2019, nearly six thousands people signed a petition calling for the venue to be saved, arguing against the loss of LGBTQ+ nightlife in the Borough.
The return of a LGBTQ+ venue is welcome news for the LGBTQ+ community, as research for the Mayor of London showed that there has been a 50 per cent decline in LQBTQ+ venues since 2006.
The theatre will be a multi-functional space, occupying one of the railway arches. There will be an evening programme featuring live music, cabaret and experimental theatre.
A residency is being offered for an established LGBTQIA+ collective, providing exclusive use of the theatre space for 3 evenings each week of the year. Applications for the Chroma theatre residency are open now.
The workspaces will be exclusively for startups and creative practices with LGBTQ+ founders.
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Southwark Council developed the original vision for the project and supported its conception with £1.5 million grant funding.
Bureau de Change Architects are the award winning queer-led architect practice who will be designing the the refurbishment of the railway arches.
This project is part of the wider £2.5 billion Bankside Yards development. One complete, it will provide 350,000 sq ft of offices, 50,000 sq ft of amenities, bars, restaurants and cultural space.
Chroma has pledged that everyone in the LGBTQIA+ community will be welcome at the new space and all identities will be celebrated.
Charles Armstrong, Founder and CEO of the Trampery said: “As a queer entrepreneur, I’m honoured that The Trampery has been selected. Working with a constellation of brilliant partners, we are creating a world-class venue, supporting the amazing creativity of London’s LGBTQIA+ community.”
Find out more about Chroma here: www.chromalondon.org
