The proposal to convert the club has been in the pipeline since last June, but it was only on November 29th that the Council decided that the location was not appropriate for residential accommodation. 

The building is owned by Friend’s Life, who claimed that there was a high demand for city centre residential accommodation and also highlighted concerns about the fire safety of the club. Friend’s Life claimed that there was already ‘generous provision’ for nightclubs in the city.

However, Eclectic Bars, owner of the Fez brand which includes a sister Moroccan-themed club in Putney, claimed that the venue is a “unique local facility”, and that the employment of 41 staff was important for the local economy.

The Council decided in favour of the club, and stressed the city’s status as a “subregional destination for leisure activities including nightclubs”. In a statement released by the Council, they said: “Cambridge has a population of approximately 127,000 people, including approximately 27,000 resident students.” “It is therefore important that Cambridge continues to provide a vibrant centre to serve students and young people who may want to use these types of facilities.”

Fez Club has marketed itself as an alternative venue for students, claiming that it provides nights “for those who want to escape the standard cheesy high street offerings”.

However, the club has suffered financially and struggled to maintain its stake on the Cambridge nightclub market. The addition of Lola Lo, which opened in 2011 and rivals Fez for Sunday night student nights, has added further competition. Fears for the survival of Fez were raised back in Michaelmas 2010 and have resurfaced sporadically in recent months.

The long-term future of the club still remains in doubt, but for the moment alternative club nights in Cambridge have been preserved.