Vinopolis, along with its Cantina Vinopolis restaurant and wine experience, will be converted into a large retail premises.
Samantha Anderson, managing director of Vinopolis, told Event the decision to close was a commercial one. "We’ve come to the end of what we feel we can do with Vinopolis, and the choice was made in the interest of our shareholders," she said. "The retail opportunity arose and it was a better proposition than a wine tour."
Around 60 staff from the venue and 120 from the restaurant will lose their jobs at the end of the year. However Anderson said the venue will support workers in the job search.
She said: "We are looking for opportunities for staff in other businesses that the board works with. The people here are very committed and we are all dedicated to going out with a bang."
Events in 2015 will be run as normal, with Anderson expecting the year to be a busy one, with event planners taking the opportunity to book the venue for the last time.
Anderson added: "It’s hard, and it’s a really sad time, but I’m exceptionally proud to have worked here. I’m looking forward to making 2015 the best year yet: we want to go out on an up and we’ll definitely make the most of it."
Vinopolis first opened in 1999 and currently offers a wine discovery experience alongside eight event spaces available for hire. Located near London Bridge, the entire space spans two and a half acres.
Previous events to take place at the venue include the , the and charity , while Proctor & Gamble selected the space as .
More:
Comment below to let us know what you think.
For more in-depth and print-only features, showcases and interviews with world-leading brands, don't miss the next issue of Event magazine .