People in Long Eaton have been sharing their memories of a ‘buzzing’ old nightclub. It comes as new plans were put forward to change the use of The Factory, in Clifford Street, into flats. It formerly known as Manhattans and in 2019 it underwent a revamp and was turned back into The Factory.
Now, plans have been put forward on behalf of Crossover Consulting and PM Limited to make alterations to the outside of the building to create six flats within the old nightclub. The nightclub is thought to have stopped trading in 2020 and has been vacant since.
People in the town said it was a 'shame' to see the end of the building being used as a nightclub, as they shared their memories of the nightspot. Stephen Maile, 40, said it was a good night out.
Read More: Community speaks out as asylum seekers set to move into Novotel in Long Eaton and jobs at risk
Mr Maile said: “It was a buzzing night out, to be honest." He said there were "too many flats" in the local area and another nightclub could add to the vibrancy of the town.
“It used [The Factory] to be good, we need a nightclub - we’ve got Chalkies. It would be a shame if it [the former nightclub] went and wasn’t a nightclub again. There’s about three pubs - there’s just nowhere to go afterwards so we need a nightclub.”
A previous plan to convert the building into six flats was rejected by Erewash Borough Council. Then separate plans were put forward to change the use of the property into seven, one-bedroom residential apartments. But this application was refused on September 8 of this year.
It was turned down by the council due over issues to do with light and privacy. Since the refusal, changes were made to plans which have been scaled down, with the number of flats reduced from seven to six.
Abi Wilcockson, a neurological occupational therapist, who’s lived in Long Eaton since she was 20, said some "right characters" used to frequent the nightclub. The 47-year-old said: “It was fun - they had a pole on the dance floor and that was quite entertaining. There were some right characters.
"It’s been quite a few years since I’ve been in - it’s the last one left apart from Chalkies. It’s a real shame, I think it’s going to have to develop one way or another.“ Another woman, Cheryl Scott, added: “There was cheesy music to dance to, good choice of drink and the place everyone in Long Eaton ended up in."
A statement in the latest plans, which have been submitted to the borough council, reads: "The proposal would represent a regeneration opportunity for an otherwise underused space, contributing to the continued vibrancy and vitality of Long Eaton."
READ MORE:
