Kinks star Ray Davies selling Konk Studios for £2million

nlnews@archant.co.uk
29 July 2010

A LEGENDARY recording studio owned by Kinks singer Ray Davies has been put up for sale for development with a £2million price tag.

Pop stars Robbie Williams, Kylie Minogue and Girls Aloud, and rock greats Elvis Costello, Madness, Razorlight, Arctic Monkeys and Blur are among the stars who have worked at Konk Studios in Tottenham Lane, Crouch End.

But an era in music history is set to end as Rightmove.co.uk has advertised the property for sale for a hefty £1,995,000.

Details describe it as a "formerly famous recording studio offering fantastic potential for development".

Crouch End Councillor David Winskill said: "I think it's possible that if this had happened in any other country there would have been an enormous campaign to preserve this as some kind of national monument.

"The Kinks have been an integral part of the cultural landscape of this part of London for the best part of 50 years.

"Their contribution to pop culture has been overshadowed by The Rolling Stones and The Beatles but their song making has been absolutely amazing. It's really sad that this physical link is likely to disappear - but, as they, the music lingers on."

The studio site consists of two extended adjoining buildings which offer a large amount of floorspace.

Estate agent Reuben John, of Paul Simon Residential Sales, who is handling the sale, said the property came onto the market two weeks ago with potential buyers flocking already.

He said: "There is interest from local developers and housing associations but nothing has been agreed at present."

The Kinks were formed in Muswell Hill by brothers Ray and Dave Davies in 1964.

Kinks fans greeted the news with sadness posting widely on forums and calling for an Abbey Road-style campaign to save Konk Studios.

One fan posting on the Ray Davies Official Forum said: "Another sad day in Kinkdom! If I had the means, I would chip in to buy it. Bummer.

"I'm sure Ray has to do what he has to do financially."

Another said: "It should go the same way like the Abbey Road studios when they were for sale some weeks ago. Now they are not anymore."

A sale is not expected before September due to the summer holiday lull in the property market.