Organisers are confident that the show will go on at fire damaged Korova. Luke Traynor reports for Getintothis.
One of Liverpool’s best-known concert venues could be closed for six months following a devastating blaze.
Korova on Hope Street was hit by a fire early on Saturday morning which started above the venue at a solicitor’s firm.
The flames caused the first and second floor roofs to collapse inside CFK Legal Trust Services.
Korova sustained significant water damage and flooding to its main bar ground floor and basement and it is thought it may have to shut down for half a year.
Investigators are yet to enter the three-storey building as it is considered too unstable to venture inside after Saturday’s 6.50am blaze.
For that reason, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said, they were unable to analyse if the incident was suspicious, although sources said an electrical fault was the most likely cause.
The fire is set to cause chaos for gigs set to be held at the venue popular with Liverpool students.
Promoters are now frantically rearranging concerts that were due to be held at Korova and searching for alternative venues like The Masque and Kazimier in Wolstenholme Square.
On Saturday night, PlayDub, who were set to host their club night at Korova, were invited by club night Chibuku to play their session in the Loft at the Masque on Fleet Street.
Some Liverpool Sound City festival shows scheduled for Korova will have to be moved.
Many of the fixtures and fittings inside Korova are understood to be either destroyed or badly damaged, and the cost is likely to run into thousands of pounds.
Chris Tyler, Korova promotions and bookings boss, said: “There’s basically loads of water inside and it’s going to take a good number of months before its serviceable again.
“But we’re planing to rise from the ashes, so to speak, and reopen when its sorted.”
Last autumn, the venue moved from its home on Fleet Street to the top end of the city centre on Hope Street, taking over the former Roadkill venue.
The company made the surprise announcement in October, adding that businessman Rob Guttman no longer had any involvement with Korova Group.
Up to 60 firefighters tackled the blaze which was in danger of spreading to the historic Philharmonic Dining Rooms, a short distance away.
