Mandela Hall in Belfast could be facing demolition

Nearly 3,000 people have signed a petition opposing the redevelopment of one of Northern Ireland’s best-known live music venues.

Radiohead played one of their biggest secret shows there in the 1990s and Shine nightclub attracted some of dance music’s best acts.

Michael McFerran, a music lover from Ballymena, expressed dismay.

He said: “Mandela Hall isn’t just a venue in the students’ union. It’s one of the best live music venues in all of Northern Ireland.

“Along with the Speakeasy and Bar Sub they have nurtured musical talent in Belfast and beyond for the last few decades and a new students’ union building without these venues would be utterly tragic for the musical landscape of the north.”

Queen’s University has placed a tender for an architect-led design team for an integrated student centre.

It said: “The project will redevelop the existing students’ union site to provide a new purpose-built integrated student centre which addresses the identified accommodation needs, providing a stimulating and engaging environment for the undergraduate and postgraduate student population.”

A Change.org petition said: “Please support us to prevent the possible closure of a venue that has hosted massive student club nights, comedy shows, DJ sets, live concerts and everything in between by some of the biggest names in the business.”