Private members club 1880 abruptly closes in S’pore, unable to pay staff & suppliers

Private members’ club 1880 has announced its immediate permanent closure, effective today (June 17), and will undergo liquidation after eight years of operation.

Founded by Marc Nicholson, the club was opened in late 2017 and is located in the InterContinental Hotel at Robertson Quay. Up until Monday, its social media accounts were still promoting upcoming events.

According to Channel News Asia, the Singapore club sent an email to members late on Monday night, providing brief reasons for its closure.

In the email, Nicholson said that members have been spending less and visiting less frequently, and that the company needed an injection and “some efficiency optimisation.”

“We had three offers to invest in or acquire 1880. Anyone of these would have restored us to health and given a runway to building a global brand.”

“We were, however, unsuccessful in getting those offers over the line. With no further funds to pay our staff or suppliers, we have no alternative but to close.”

The email also mentioned that its holding company, 38 Degrees, and operating company, 1880 Pte Ltd, have been placed under provisional liquidation. It added that further details about the liquidation process and an upcoming creditors’ meeting will be shared soon.

“I am an entrepreneur. I had an idea and I tried to make it work. We created a brand that earned a reputation that brought opportunities for expansion that I could not resist. Call it hubris, arrogance, capitalism or stupidity, I am solely to blame for the failure of 1880.”

1880 Singapore offered a range of social events and facilities, including a restaurant, bar, spa, and co-working space.

Its sudden closure follows the shutdown of 1880’s Hong Kong branch less than three weeks ago on May 30, just seven months after it opened there.

The South China Morning Post previously reported that 1880 Hong Kong was going into liquidation, burdened with debts amounting to approximately HK$20 million.

The Hong Kong club was accused of owing rent and two months’ worth of pay to 100 employees.

Vulcan Post has reached out to 1880 Singapore for more information.

Featured Image Credit: 1880