Friday, February 27, 2009

The Point, Cardiff Bay is no more


I have been truly devastated today to learn the shock news that, without any warning or hint, The Point closed today and entered insolvency blaming problems with funding in the current climate and the extensive costs to refurbish the venue caused by one person who moved into a flat close by long after the venue had opened.

A Gothic Church built in 1900, it was converted to a music and entertainments venue 7 years ago and had worked hard to win the affections of locals, music fans and groups alike. The venue never fails to be anything other than intimate with th audience in close proximity with the groups in such an inspiring setting. It is, by far, my favourite music venue in Wales - every gig I've attended there has never been anything less than a fantastic experience.

Groups I've seen - and loved - there included Athlete, Mike Peters & The Alarm, Glenn Tillbrook, Joe Jackson, The Tubes (my favourite night bar none), Stiff Little Fingers, Feeder and Super Furry Animals to name just a few. Was going to see Maccabees there very soon too.

Some of my colleagues around the country have travelled down here to see gigs and fell in love with the venue too.

It sounds a desperate sitation but I do hope that, somehow, it can be resurrected. Cardiff and Live Music just can't do without this venue - there is nowhere else and nothing else even close to it. Losing The Point is like losing a close friend.

My thoughts and best wishes go to its staff and directors. What terrible, terrible news.


THE STATEMENT THAT HAS TAKEN OVER THE POINT'S WEBSITE

To all customers, promoters, fans, bands and supporters of The Point Cardiff Bay

It is with deep regret that we announce the closure of the venue today. On 27th February 2009 the Director of the Point Cardiff Bay Limited signed the appropriate notices to call a meeting of creditors pursuant to S98 Insolvency Act 1986.

A number of factors have contributed to this situation. Many of you will be aware that during 2008 we began receiving noise complaints from one or two neighbours Align Centrethat had moved into the new apartments that have been built next to the venue. After some difficult negotiations with the Cardiff City Council we undertook a huge amount of work to soundproof the venue in an attempt to secure its future. While that has largely been successful, the burden of the debt that we took on, together with greater restrictions in our banking facilities and more difficult trading conditions in the last few months, as well as the loss of revenue whilst the refurbishment works were undertaken, has meant we are unable to meet our current liabilities and have been left with no option but to seek voluntary liquidation.

Many people have put their heart and soul in turning the Point into the magical venue that it is and we have received huge and loyal support over the years from fans and bands alike. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for that support. It is a very sad day for us and for the live music scene in Cardiff.

If you have bought tickets for shows in advance, we must advise you to seek compensation from your credit card company. If you are a supplier to the Point, there will be further news about a creditors meeting in due course.

Please forward any enquiries to Lisa Alford at Purnells Insolvency Practitioners on 01633 214712.

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