Music venue's time for noise deal

Soundproofing measures worth £50,000 will be carried out at the Point

A music venue based in an old church, which had been threatened with closure in a row over noise, has had a stay of execution.

A court hearing had been due to take place involving The Point in Cardiff Bay after a resident's noise complaint.

Cardiff Council said it was pleased management had come up with £50,000 soundproof measures, which were acceptable to all parties.

The owner said he was pleased the council had been "pragmatic".

Richard Jones said: "I am pleased that we are not fighting with the council across a courtroom today and that instead, after a lot of dialogue with them, we have agreed that the venue will be given time to commission internal works to reduce the noise emitting from the building.

"In taking a more pragmatic and positive approach to this issue, the council are now working with us to help secure the future of this very unique and important venue for live music and culture in south Wales," he said.

The council is delighted that the venue has now come up with proposals that are acceptable to all parties concerned Council leader Rodney Berman

The Point, built in 1900 and later named St Stephen's church, is now due to close temporarily in August so that £50,000 worth of soundproofing can be carried out.

Mr Jones added: "At £50,000 it's a huge amount to fund for a small independent business but we hope that people who have some influence in these things will now step forward and help us find a way to make it work."

Previously an online petition had been organised against the possible closure.

The venue hosts a variety of rock, jazz, folk and alternative performers, as well as club nights.

Acts who have performed there in the past range from Stereophonics, Superfurry Animals, Richard Thompson, Joe Jackson to The Fall.

Cardiff council leader Rodney Berman said he was pleased an agreement was possible.

"This is an important music venue for the city and the council wants to work with the owners to make sure that every opportunity is given for them to successfully tackle any noise disruption," he said.

"The closure of The Point was never the purpose of the notice and the council is delighted that the venue has now come up with proposals that are acceptable to all parties concerned."