Former Wigan nightclub building ravaged by a huge fire could become flats and commercial units
A fire-damaged former nightspot building in Wigan town centre could become flats if conversion plans are approved.
The Jak’s nightclub building, on King Street is the subject of a planning proposal from Atherton-based applicant CLS-UK.
Documents on the the local authority’s planning portal say that the development would contain 18 flats on the upper levels and three commercial units on the ground floor.
On the evening of November 22 last year, a huge fire ripped through the upper storeys of the former venue.
Emergency services were called at around 10.30pm, when several late night bars in the area were busy.
King Street was closed by police and the blaze led to the evacuation and closure of nearby businesses.
Locals living in homes close to the fire were also asked to temporarily leave as crews dealt with the blaze.
Police later said that the incident was being investigated as a possible arson.
The roof was destroyed by the flames and days later Wigan Council said it had begun demolishing “unsafe” parts of the premises.
The property lies within the Wigan town centre conservation area.
A design and access report, in support of the apartment and commercial units plan, said: “The site has recently been the subject of a fire which has caused irreparable damage to the roof and top floor of the building, all of which now need to be replaced.
“The site has not been in use for a significant period of time following the closure of the former use and has stood vacant and heading into disrepair.
The report added: “The applicants are seeking local authority support for the change of use and extension of the building.
“The proposed development will comprise of three large commercial uses at ground floor level to support retail or other suitable town centre uses which can assist in drawing more people back into town to support the longer vitality and viability of the centre.
“The scheme also includes the delivery of 18 apartments split across the top two floors of the new building .”
The flats will comprise 11 one-bed units, three, two-bed flats and four, three-bed apartments.
The applicant said the proposed extension at second floor level “has been carefully designed and developed to reflect and respect the scale and form of the existing building.”
The report reads: “The scheme is of a high quality design and will represent a positive addition to the town centre, and one which in our view does not result in harm to neighbouring uses or the visual amenity of King Street or the conservation area.
Planners in Wigan will consider the proposals in the coming weeks.
Anger was voiced by owners of other hospitality venues in the area that they had been warning the police and council for months that the vacant Jak’s building was vulnerable and often prey to trespassers, vandals and squatters. Fears were voiced that someone could set the place alight and endanger neighbouring properties.
And so it proved with several other King Street busineses having to shut on the night of the fire for safety reasons, losing thousands of much-needed revenue in the process.