Residents in a Nottinghamshire town are divided over plans that could potentially see a Grade II-listed building reopen and refurbished as a nightclub. The Corn Exchange is a historic building in Newark that has remained empty for more than a decade after previously closing as a nightclub venue in the town centre.
The derelict building may reopen as a multi-use leisure centre after the building was granted a new license. The council and applicant hope the building, which would operate as a nightclub on the first and ground floors, will be able to stimulate the town's night time economy.
However, residents and visitors are undecided over whether this would be the best use for the building. When asked if he thought the plans were a good idea, Newark resident Ady Crampton, 56, said: "Yeah I do.
Who is the greatest Nottinghamian? Let us know
"The thing is my time drinking at night in town is long gone, so I couldn't say how it's going to affect the town. It used to be a nightclub, but whether or not I would want to live next to it is another thing." He described the Corn Exchange as a "nice" building, adding: "I would like to see it restored as it's part of the heritage."
A 28-year-old retail assistant who did not wish to be named said: "I think it would be nice to see the building used again as it's been empty forever but I'm not sure how popular it would be as a nightclub. I think most people that want to go clubbing would probably still just go to Lincoln or Nottingham."
Market trader, David Well, 48, of Mansfield, is regularly in Newark and would love to see something happen with the building. He said: "I'm excited to see how they are going to actually do it."
He explained that if the building is refurbished and open again it would be great for the area. David added: "It is a nice ornate building that has been left, it would be a shame to let it get worse, it's worth saving."
Another local trader, Hafeez Malik, 51, said: "I think it would be nice to see it used again. I don't think a nightclub would be the best use for the building, I think it would be better as office spaces really or like a community centre, something like that.
"It doesn't seem like a nightclub building." A 59 year old who did not wish to be named said: "Being my age it's not a factor.
"It wouldn't really affect me either way."
READ NEXT:
Aldi, Lidl and ASDA warnings as items recalled and pulled from shelves
Families love life on 'really noisy' Nottingham road that is 'central to everything'
-
Vigil held to pay respects to Fatoumatta Hydara and her 2 children in fatal fire
Paddy McGuinness tells Alison Hammond to stop "following him" during ITV's This Morning
Commemorative bike ride to honour cyclist who helped make important changes in city
