Manchester music venues saved from closure as buyer is found

Two iconic Manchester music venues The Deaf Institute and Gorilla have both been saved from closure after a new buyer was found. It was announced last week that both of the venues would be closing their doors for good amid the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. But now Tokyo Industries have stepped in to purchase both of them from Mission Mars and have announced their intentions to keep them running. Tokyo Industries are a private company who own a plethora of venues around the UK, with an estate of over 30 venues, including Nightclubs, Hotels, Bars and Restaurants. Many of our Leeds-based readers will be familiar with their work when In 2016 they announced their latest project, converting a second grade building into a pulsating music venue we know as Church.

Tokyo Industries founder Aaron Mellor told The Guardian: “These are extremely difficult times for all grassroots music venues around the UK. It’s vital venues like Gorilla and The Deaf Institute are kept alive, the cultural fabric of our city centres depends venues like these.