Grand idea as bar owners join forces to breathe new life into empty town centre building

TWO Warrington town centre bar owners have teamed up to help breathe new life into empty premises on Bridge Street with the aim of creating an upmarket cocktail and wine bar called The Grand.

The former Co-op building next door to The Academy has been empty and falling into disrepair since the closure of the Fusion Sports Bar and nightclub.
Now Mike Mason, who owns PJs, The Institution and Hop & Co and James Glover who owns Hideout and Block One, have teamed up on a joint venture called The Grand, which they hope will be open by June, subject to lockdown restrictions, following an initial £250,000 renovation.
The building is currently being renovated with the aim of creating an upmarket cocktail and wine bar, with future plans for a restaurant on the 1st floor and a rooftop terrace.
Commenting on the new project Mike said: “Our aim is to bring an upmarket facility to the lower end of Bridge Street to compliment our other businesses in the town.
“We are hoping we will be open by June in time for the summer, subject to the lockdown restrictions.
“This part of town has required some much-needed investment and will cater for people who have been visiting the Cultural Quarter or the cinema and looking to extend their night out.
“It is a big space and we have an idea to include a restaurant and possibly a rooftop terrace, similar to the one above the Treasury building.”
The building was once a Co-op store prior to various other bar venues over the years but has remained empty since the Fusion Bar closed.
A Facebook page promoting the forthcoming venue says: “Situated on the up-and-coming Bridge Street in the heart of Warrington, The Grand offers guests world-class cocktails, Fine wines and Craft Beers.”