Space is one of the most famous clubs in Ibiza and the world! For almost 30 years, this huge club in Playa d’en Bossa has been making the world dance, and has become an absolute benchmark. Here’s a look back at the crazy history of Space Ibiza, the world’s most legendary club.
At the heart of Ibiza’s nightlife, one name has long resonated more than any other : Space. The great story of Space Ibiza began in 1989 when Pepe Roselló, who had always owned clubs (starting with Playboy in San Antonio in 1963), embarked on the Space adventure. He remained at the head of this legendary establishment until it closed almost 30 years later. Space Ibiza is not just a club : it’s a legend with a crazy history !
Challenge 1 : turn Playa d’en Bossa into a party temple
The initial challenge was colossal : to succeed in attracting the public from the big nightclubs, Es Paradís in Sant Antoni, Pacha in Ibiza or Amnesia and Ku on the island’s main motorway, to a family area. Space began with an eclectic entertainment policy, far removed from the electronic music that would later define its identity. Contests such as Mr and Miss Space, flamenco shows and live performances made up its early years.
Everything changed in 1991, when English DJ Alex P set up a cover behind the bar and started mixing. This was the beginning of Space’s legendary Terrace, which came to fruition when Alex P teamed up with Brandon Block. Space’s unique atmosphere, combining cutting-edge music and open-air ambience, quickly became an institution.
Space Ibiza, the world’s most legendary club
Space could accommodate several thousand people inside, with an outdoor terrace that could accommodate around 700. The main stage, named ‘Discoteca’, and a rooftop terrace, were home to some of the biggest names in electronic music. Carl Cox, for example, was resident DJ for fifteen years, until 2016. Space has forged many influential partnerships, including with UK promoters and the Ultra organisation.
Cathy Guetta once wrote: « Space, the world temple for DJs, with an incredible sound system. Every DJ on the planet dreams of playing at Space« . This reputation has led to Space being voted the number 1 club six times by DJ Mag, attracting up to 600,000 customers a year. Many artists even asked to play there without pay.
A successful succession
Around 2015, Space began collaborating with Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel, located just across the street. However, the announcement of Pepe Roselló’s retirement marked the beginning of the end for Space as the world knew it. Bought by the Matutes Group, the club closed its doors for good in the summer of 2016, only to be reborn under a new name : Hï Ibiza, in 2017. Despite the change of name and identity, the spirit of Space lives on in a new establishment in Riccione in Italy, which will open on June 2th under the same name with the agreement of Pepe Roselló. This summer, the legendary club is taking up residence at Eden, another famous club in Sant Antoni.