A building that was once home to a much-loved nightclub has fallen victim to several large fires over the years.
Earlier this week, a fire broke out in the former 051 nightclub on Mount Pleasant in Liverpool City Centre. Emergency services rushed to the scene, at around 11.42am on Tuesday, August 2, as thick black smoke billowed from a missing window panel.
As Merseyside Police closed both Mount Pleasant and Brownlow Hill while fire crews from four engines battled the blaze, neighbours and local businesses were advised to keep doors and windows closed. The nearby Mount Pleasant car park was also closed while fire crews controlled the fire, said to have started on the ground floor stair well.
But this is not the first time a fire has broken out inside the former nightclub. Just last year, 12 fire engines rushed to the scene after a blaze was reported at around 1.40am on October 4. Again, a number of roads were closed as emergency services worked to put out the flames.
Previous to that, in 2015, flames were seen shooting from the first floor of the building. The much-loved club was one of the city’s most famous venues in the 90s. It closed as the 051 in 2005, reopening under various other names - including Aura from September 2013 - but was closed down by 2016.
In 2020, readers were offered a rare glimpse inside the 051 nightclub which was 'exactly like it was' years after it closed. The ECHO has also previously reported that questions have been raised over why it has never been re-developed.
One man suggested it should be turned into student flats or "something for the people of Liverpool" as he said: "I don't know why they haven't knocked down the building yet, it's been empty for so long. I remember the old 051 back in the day. Knock it down, build student flats there or build something for the people of Liverpool."
Another horrified onlooker earlier this week said there was "always things going on in the building", adding: "People break in and cause trouble. I remember another fire in there on the ground floor a few months ago."
Many people took to social media to share their disappointment about the recent fire with some describing the building as "iconic". DJ Lee Butler wrote the "music and memories live on". The ECHO understands there is an investigation ongoing into the cause of the fire.
One ECHO reader said: "I used to love Level 4 Quasar there when I was a kid, so many happy memories. Sad it’s been left as it is". another commented: "Memories 051 what a place in the 90s."
A third added: "Iconic club such a shame it couldn't be revived had some great nights in there." A fourth said on social media the former club has a 'sad future'.
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