Hotel plan for Mr Smiths’ site?

A FUND-raising campaign to create a special Youth Zone on the site of the former Mr Smiths’ nightclub has been put on hold pending confirmation on the future use of the site – which could be transformed into an upmarket hotel serving Warrington town centre.
Although no decision has been formally announced for the site now cleared following the arson attack which destroyed the iconic former Ritz Cinema and nightclub building, it is believed a hotel could now be the preferred option for the site.
It had been hoped that the original building could be transformed into a Youth Zone and following the blaze a fund-raising appeal was launched – with the aim of developing a purpose built Youth Zone on the site and raising £500,000 towards the development costs.
But an online fund-raising page raised just £45 from two donations, despite being widely publicised in the wake of the fire – and now fund-raising has been put on hold pending confirmation of a site for the Youth Zone.
Warrington borough Council had previously pledged £3m capital investment spend to help renovate the original building.
Deputy leader of the council Mike Hannon, (pictured) portfolio holder for Warrington town centre, was shocked when he heard that only £45 had been raised online.
He said he hoped the site could still be used to develop a Youth Zone – but if a hotel ended up being the preferred option, it could lend itself to a bigger scheme to develop the town centre water front.
“As long it was a quality hotel I wouldn’t have any objection to that.
“It was very sad what happened to Mr Smith’s but nothing has been decided for certain for the site and as far as I know all options are still open.”
Kathryn Morley, Chief Executive at OnSide Youth Zones: “We’re continuing to work closely with the Council to find the most appropriate site for Warrington Youth Zone following the fire at Mr Smith’s.
“OnSide and Warrington Youth Club remain totally committed to bringing a facility to the town that will benefit local young people and the whole community, whether that is on the former site of Mr Smith’s or an alternative location.
“We’ve paused activity around the community fundraising campaign until we can confirm the site.”
A spokesman for site owners LPC Living, said: “Hoarding has been erected around the site of the former Mr Smith’s building to make it more secure whilst demolition work is continued.
“No formal plans have been made for the site, but we are exploring options and look forward to announcing a decision in the future.”

*Seven teenagers, five boys and two girls, arrested following the blaze on suspicion of arson are currently on police bail until July 9.

The former Mr Smiths’ building during demolition

The cleared site which has been fenced off