party lights
Image from Creative Commons: by Holly Lay

A new events space in Digbeth has been granted a premises licence by Birmingham City Council.

The River application was accepted earlier this week (Monday 21st January) at the Licensing Subcommittee meeting.

The business model proposes “it is envisaged as an experimental venue which can be used to curate a vibrant spectrum of diverse, cultural events and experiences.”

Plays, films, indoor sporting events, live and recorded music, as well as wrestling entertainment, are all expected to be held at the venue.

Google Maps image of location of The River

Environmental Health have objected to the site being used for live music events, stating that such events would contribute to noise and nuisance in the area.

Jane Dunsford, representative for Environmental Health, said:

“The noise management strategy is too vague, with no mention of dispersal.

“There’s no guarantee that the plan will lessen the noise disturbance from crowds, taxis, car doors slamming.”

The River developed the Core Noise Management Strategy which outlines ways the venue proposes to monitor and regulate noise for different types of events.

Similar spaces operate nearby at Fazeley Studios and The Bond.

There have been previous applications made for a premises licence for the site to be used as a live music venue only, which have been refused.

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