Preston nightclub poised for major transformation after shutdown
A Historic Nightspot Set for a New Purpose
A legendary venue in Preston, known for its vibrant nightlife and musical legacy, is set to undergo a significant transformation. Once a hub of entertainment for over 50 years, the Market Street location that recently operated as Switch is now being repurposed into a storage facility. This change has been approved by Preston City Council, marking the end of an era for a place that has played a key role in the city's cultural history.
The club, located within Lowthian House in the city centre, first opened its doors in 1967 under the name Squires and Snooty’s. Over the decades, it went through several transformations, including Squires and Quincy’s and later simply Squires, which was arguably its most iconic phase from 1979. The venue continued to evolve, with notable rebrands such as New York New York and, following a £250,000 renovation, Cameo and Vinyl in 2014.
In 2017, the club reopened as Switch after a nearly 12-month closure. However, this latest shutdown marks the end of its time as a nightclub. The application for repurposing the space revealed that no new operator could be found to take over the venue. As a result, the city council has approved plans to convert part of the building into a self-storage business.
The Storage Facility Plans
The new venture will include 85 'Kuboid' storage units, ranging in size from 16 to 200 square feet. These units will offer round-the-clock access through a booking and electronic entry system. The operation will primarily use an existing loading bay and layby off Ringway. However, there were concerns raised by Lancashire County Council about potential traffic issues, particularly if vehicles arrived without bookings and caused congestion in the layby.
Highways officials worried that this could lead to traffic backups onto the A59 and the possibility of unauthorized parking on the pedestrianised Lowthian Street. To address these concerns, a 'service and delivery management statement' was requested from the applicant, Ringway Ltd. This document outlines how these issues will be managed.
The plan includes a commitment that only one or two vehicles will be allowed to book at the same time. Additionally, CCTV monitoring will be implemented to ensure compliance. A specific condition has also been added to the permission, which prohibits parking on Lowthian Street.
Preservation of the Building's Exterior
Importantly, there will be no changes to the exterior of the building as part of the overhaul. City council planning officers deemed the conversion suitable because it will not result in the loss of "primary shopping frontage or active ground floor space." This decision ensures that the historical character of the building remains intact while allowing for a practical new use.
Conclusion
The transformation of this historic venue into a storage facility marks the end of an era for Preston's nightlife. While the loss of such a beloved spot is a sad moment for many, the new use offers a practical solution for the space. The careful planning and conditions put in place aim to address concerns about traffic and parking, ensuring that the community's needs are met while preserving the area's heritage.
