Visitors who were looking forward to an evening in the new Kompass Klub are left with unused tickets.
The city of Ghent refused to open the doors of the Kompass Klub, despite a fire brigade permit having already been obtained. Serious road safety risks for cyclists and pedestrians were cited as a result of inadequate infrastructure around park-and-ride, taxi zones and kiss-and-ride areas. But according to the nightclub manager, who expressed his frustrations on the VRT news service, the real reason lies elsewhere. “We are not allowed to play music because our bicycle shed is too small,” he claimed.
For city services, however, the issue is clear. “It is a joint decision of the entire executive council not to grant a permit,” Ghent states bluntly. The city believes that the environmental notification cannot be accepted because the location does not meet safety requirements. The small and poorly equipped bicycle shed in particular was mentioned as a crucial bottleneck.
Jeroen Delodder, presenter at Studio Brussels, had originally planned an 'all night long DJ set' for the opening night. He regrets the turn of events. “It's a shame for everyone involved. They try to adhere to a forest of rules and legislation. And it is extra sad for all the people who would come together to dance and explore the new club.” The event originally expected around 1.700 visitors.
Moreover, the issue comes at a critical time. The entertainment world has already suffered heavily from previous restrictions and closures, making it all the more important to give new companies in this field a chance. At the same time, the city cannot afford to make concessions on safety, especially given previous problems with the club in 2019 surrounding drug use.
Despite keeps the city full that they looked for a solution until the last minute, even despite a late and incomplete application file from the club. “The City of Ghent is very committed to nightlife and Kompass, but the safety of the partygoers comes first,” reads the official statement. The city council has had several discussions with the nightclub in recent years to find a permanent location and hopes that the club can open its doors soon, but in a safe manner.
Kompass Club
De Kompass Club is a nightclub located in Ghent that mainly focuses on the music genres techno and house. The Kompass Klub started as a pop-up club by Jens Grieten near the Gent-Dampoort station. In response to the abrupt decision of the city of Ghent to cancel the opening of the Kompass Klub, operator Jens Grieten says: “We will refund the tickets, or people can keep them for next time. We will adjust the bicycle sheds to resolve this problem as quickly as possible. This is really not serious from the city.” He indicates that adjustments will be made to the bicycle shed to meet city standards, in the hope of still being able to open the club on Vliegschiklaan.
