Former Market Drayton nightclub to become homes

The Times nightclub building, in Market Drayton's High Street, has been empty for more than five years.

Now the Wrekin Housing Trust has begun work to convert it into six apartments.

The building was built in 1874 and has also been used as a bank.

The work is being made possible by a £120,000 New Homes Bonus grant from Shropshire Council.

Councillor Tim Beckett, mayor of Market Drayton, said he had got mixed views.

"I looked round the old Times nightclub a few weeks ago and couldn't believe the work they had already done as they have gutted all inside the buildings," he said.

"The plus side is it won't be a derelict building anymore and we will have some flats and accommodation for people.

"The negative side is we have no where for the younger people to go at the weekends and as a result they go out of town.

"This does have a knock on effect. When it was a nightclub the youngsters would spend money in the pubs then finish off at the nightclub.

"What happens now is they go to places where there is nightlife, so the local pubs miss the trade."

Work on the apartments is expected to be complete by August. The properties will be managed by the Shropshire Housing Alliance (SHA).

James Wood, chairman of SHA, said: "We are delighted to be working with Shropshire Council and Market Drayton Town Council on this project. It's a new lease of life for a building that is part of Market Drayton's history.

"Most towns will have properties like this that remain dormant for too long. Our project is part of a national drive to put redundant buildings to good use."

The project has also been supported by Market Drayton's High Street Revitalisation Grants Scheme.

Market Drayton is one of Shropshire Council's Empty Homes Action Zones, alongside Oswestry, and a further £180,000 has been made available by the council in the form of Empty Property Incentive Grants.

These grants are used to support opportunities for returning more empty properties to use.