Youth Zone plan for Mr Smith’s
MR SMITH’S nightclub in Warrington, made famous in the 1980s by Pete Waterman’s Hit Man and Her TV show, could avoid the wrecker’s ball if a deal can be agreed to turn it into the town’s youth club.
The building is owned by the Pervaiz Naviede Family Trust that wanted to redevelop the site.
But according to a council document an anonymous benefactor has come forward offering to buy the building for around £1m and gift it to Warrington Youth Club along with £2m towards the renovation.
The council is considering a £3m contribution to the cost of refurbishment before it is taken on by the OnSide Youth Zone, which has five centres across the North West.
The document states: “This is a major opportunity to provide wider opportunities for young people in a managed setting. Recently local authorities have been criticised for reducing this type of provision.”
Cllr Jean Carter, executive board member for children and young people’s services, said: “A very exciting opportunity has presented itself for us to work in partnership with the private sector and Warrington Youth Club to enhance the youth provision in our town.
“The principle of a Youth Zone is in its early stages and there will of course be a consultation with children and young people to find out what they think and how we could provide the best facilities that would support them.”
She added: “The council would be looking to invest £3m from the capital programme and this would go towards refurbishing the building with the private sector investing £3m which includes the purchase of the building.”
A spokesperson for the Pervaiz Naviede Family Trust said: “We have always maintained that the decision to demolish the former Mr Smiths nightclub was not taken lightly and followed several years of marketing the property with limited interest. We are aware of a proposal to purchase the building however this process is ongoing so we are unable to comment further. We hope to be able to announce a definite outcome in the very near future.”
The proposals will be considered at a meeting of the council’s executive on Monday.
