Former Whitchurch nightclub to be antiques centre

The Club, on Green End in Whitchurch, has been bought by illustrator Paul Sample and Martin Cox, owner of the White Bear pub in the town.

The venue, formerly known as the Caddy Shack, closed two years ago amid neighbours' complaints of noise and frequent fights outside.

The new owners say some work will need to be done inside the building which they hope to re-open in April or May.

The idea is that several antique traders could rent space on the ground floor, while the town's Blackberry Fair group will take over the first floor and holds workshops and arts activities.

Mr Cox said: "I am a property developer and Paul wanted to invest in property so we thought this was as good a premises as any.

"We are looking to rent out some space for antiques. We haven't really decided on a name yet – maybe something like Antiques Emporium."

Mr Cox remained tight-lipped about how much the property was bought for and did not yet know how much they will need to invest.

"It has been empty for a long time and I don't think people in Whitchurch want a club back.

"I think they had a few problems with anti-social behaviour when it was open.

"You need a bigger town than Whitchurch to accommodate a club to get enough people using it," he added.

Therese Hickland, chairman of Whitchurch Chamber of Trade, said: "I am pleased that an empty building is reopening. I think it will be a great community service."

The club's former bosses were forced to attend a licensing review in 2009 following concerns from neighbours over noise and disorder at the premises.

Bosses were allowed to keep their license following the review, but were required to fit double doors to stop noise escaping.

Former licensee Liane Dooley said the reasons for her surrendering the licence were due to falling attendance numbers which she blamed on the smoking ban and supermarkets selling cheap alcohol, rather than the review.