Demolition begins at Pink Punters nightclub months after devastating fire
The LGBTQ+ nightclub says it is "so excited to start our new journey"
Demolition work has officially begun at Pink Punters, the Milton Keynes LGBTQ+ nightclub which was destroyed by fire in April.
Heavy machinery has moved onto the site as the remains of the long-standing venue are dismantled, marking a significant moment for the club and the thousands of people who have visited it over the years.
Pink Punters announced the start of the demolition on Thursday, saying it was “so excited to start our new journey, so we can all be together again”.
The work comes almost four months after a major fire tore through the venue in the early hours of 26 April.
At the time, hundreds of people were inside the nightclub when the fire was reported shortly after 02:00.
Staff began an immediate evacuation after fire wardens discovered a blaze on an outside balcony. Fire crews arrived as the fire spread rapidly through the building.
Everyone inside was evacuated safely and no-one was injured.
Following the blaze, Pink Punters owner Frank McMahon said he was devastated by the loss of the building but relieved that everyone had escaped safely.
He praised staff for their response, saying years of fire drills and safety training had helped when it mattered most.
“The building may be gone, but the family, the memories, the spirit and the love remain,” he said.
He also promised: “Pink Punters will be back.”
Investigators concluded that the fire had been accidental.
Thames Valley Police and Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service said there was no evidence of criminality, while a man who had initially been arrested on suspicion of arson was eliminated from the investigation.