THE future of one of York's top music venues is in doubt after the club revealed its premises have been sold to a new developer and will be demolished.

Fibbers has been hosting live music in the city for 27 years, but has confirmed it will be leaving its current Toft Green home later this year.

And while the club says it is "confident" of relocating to a new home in city, it admitted the music venue "may or may not continue".

In an email to bands which were scheduled to play at the venue later this year, the club confirmed that the site will be demolished to make way for a new hotel.

The email added that the club was originally under the impression that it would close at the Toft Green site in 2020, but this could now be as soon as August.

The email said: “The parent company, Tokyo Industries, was under the strong impression that this would be in 2020 but the developer has indicated he now wants vacant possession on August 25 this year, although no planning applications are currently being considered by York City Council.

“However, this date may change or the new location could be finalised and ready by then, but it is only fair to give you the option of moving your show or waiting for a short period until the picture is absolutely clear, and we remain hopeful and positive.”

The club could not confirm who the new developers at the sight would be.

Tim Hornsby, who originally opened Fibbers in 1992, said he was confident that the club would relocate to a new venue.

Mr Hornsby, who now has a part-time role at the club, and books the appearances of bands, said: “I am hopeful that Fibbers will continue.

“After 27 years what would York be without it, but, to summarise, we may or may not continue after August 25.

“At the moment the club are unsure when the new development will start.

“With so many potential venues in York, we are confident of finding a new home, so Fibbers can keep bringing great music to the city for many more decades.”

This will be Fibbers’ second move in five years.

It first left Stonebow House in 2014, after City of York Council took over the freehold of that building, which has since been sold to developers and transformed into the Supersonic Fitness Centre.

The venue has played host to some notable acts over the years, including The Killers, Coldplay, Laura Marling, Lee Scratch Perry and the Stereophonics.

Tim added that the he was offered the chance to host Oasis in 1994, shortly before the release of their debut album ‘Definitely Maybe’, but declined because he thought "£250 was too much money".

The Press attempted to contact the manager of Fibbers and the owner of Tokyo Industries but received no responses.