The Yard has recently had its listing application rejected. This means the current landlord is free to continue pursuing his plans for redevelopment, plans that will likely see the venue close. The Yard is calling on all its veterans to help save it from joining the long list of LGBT venue closures.
Westminster City Council recently submitted a Listing Application to Historic England for 57 Rupert Street, home of The Yard. Unfortunately, this application was turned down on the grounds that the building has been altered over time.
As the landlord of the premises has submitted yet another planning application to Westminster City Council, the decision not to list the venue leaves the Yard heavily exposed. The landlord’s application (his third), seeks to build studio apartments above the historic stable roof and cover the courtyard. Should the application go through it will likely see the Yard close.
Together with Westminster City Council and the Soho Society, The Yard is now in the process of appealing the decision and continuing the to fight to save this building from inappropriate development. After the recent decision by Historic England to start listing ion account of LGBTQ heritage – with the Vauxhall Tavern being the first example of this – the Yard feel there is a real chance to help fight the decision and secure it’s future.
They want to hear your stories; from the opening of The Yard in 1993 and its early years shaping LGBTQ culture in Soho. What were your experiences of visiting this new open bar? What was different about it from earlier meeting places? Who met there in the early days? What events did you attend or recollect taking place? What LGBTQ initiatives, organisations or charities had their origins or meetings at The Yard?
By completing this survey – www.yardbar.co.uk/savetheyard – you will help them build the case for listing the Yard as a building of significance to the LGBT community, and could help save it from redevelopment and preserve its future.
The survey must be completed by 8th March.
Andy Jones, owner of The Yard, says: “We must demonstrate the important role The Yard has played in the history of the LGBTQ community. Any information or memories you have about The Yard’s early days is so vital to helping us get this building listed and preserved for future generations to enjoy. Getting the Listing Application granted would mark and celebrate 57 Rupert Street’s architectural, ultural and historic interest. Special care and consideration would therefore be brought to the planning process so that its future is protected.”
• To complete the survey please visit: www.yardbar.co.uk/savetheyard. Visit it’s Twitter @Yard_Soho for more information. The Yard Bar is located at 57 Rupert Street, London, W1D 7PL.
