Famous ballroom to be demolished
A former Conservative Club, famed for its enormous ballroom, is to be demolished as part of a £13million development project.
Initial plans involved refurbishing the site in Accrington, Lancashire, but the building is said to be too badly damaged, leaving demolition the only option. "I'm sure many people will be sad that it's going but I would rather it be developed and create jobs than rot in Accrington," said leader of Hyndburn Council Peter Britcliffe.
The proposed plans for the site will see the historic ballroom, which was known as one of the finest in Britain, be replaced with a modern glass and steel building. The ornate frontage of the building, however, will be maintained when the demolition contractors move in.
The new site will be used as office space after initial plans for a shopping and restaurant complex were rejected. The site owner Iftakharul Bhatti from Nelson-based Woodgreen Developments is working closely with the council to ensure the development is positively received in the area. "Developing this building could really kick-start regeneration in the area," said Mr Bhatti. The Conservative Club has been empty since 2003 when it ceased being used as a nightclub. It was auctioned for £450,000 four years ago.
