A derelict town centre nightclub could be turned into new bedsits for ‘young professionals’.
Plans to convert Klub XXL – previously known as Pure – into a 15-bed ‘house of multiple occupation’ have been lodged with Stockport council .
The once-popular venue has been boarded up since 2014 and fallen into a poor state of repair.
Applicants itSimple Capital say the building ‘requires a significant investment if it is to make a positive contribution to the area’.
A document accompanying the property investors’ application claims bringing the two-story building back into use would deliver a host of benefits to the town centre.
It states: “The scheme will be designed and furnished to a high standard and will be attractive to key workers and young professionals who value the accessibility of the site and its proximity to Stockport and Manchester city centre .”
Future residents of the two-storey building in Fletcher Street would have their own bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms, but share lounge, kitchen and dining facilities.
But while there will be 12 cycle spaces, no car parking will be provided with the development.
However, the applicant contends that this is ‘acceptable’ given its ‘sustainable location’ – with the train station, bus station and various bus routes all nearby.
The former nightclub is within the St Peter’s Conservation Area, – close to the Grade II-listed St Joseph’s RC Church and St Peter’s Chambers.
But as only ‘minor external alterations’ are needed, the refurbishment is not likely to have any impact on the historic buildings.
However the former nightclub – which dates to the 1980s – will keep its ‘distinctive’ double-height central archway.
And the security roller shutters that ‘currently have a negative impact on the building’s appearance’ are set to be removed.
The applicant also claims the scheme would bring benefits to the wider area.
A planning and heritage document states: “The development will provide much needed housing in Stockport town centre and contribute to a mixed and sustainable community, adding activity in the evenings.”
It adds that it would ‘Also provides a boost to local shops and businesses – including through increased footfall and spending by future residents’.
A decision on whether to grant the application will be made by Stockport council.
