Trouble-hit Walsall nightclub Vogue to become 24-hour gym
The club, which had been run under a number of names over the years, was blighted after violence broke out nearby before Christmas
A trouble-hit former Walsall nightclub will be transformed into a 24-hour gym, it can be revealed.
The scheme for Vogue has now been given the go-ahead by council planners.
Widespread disorder broke out near the Bridgeman Street venue, which was then known as UNIT nightclub, in December 2017.
A 20-year-old man was taken to hospital with stab wounds after fights outside.
The club has more recently been known as Vogue.
Councillor Aftab Nawaz, member for the St Matthew’s town centre ward, welcomed plans to convert the club into a gym.
He said: “There’s nothing worse than having empty buildings in Walsall town centre. Although we do have three or four gyms in the area so we would like to see them doing something different than what’s being done already.
“I welcome the proposals overall because at least its bringing people into the town centre. I just hope people that come to the gym will go and use the other shops and businesses in the area.
“You hear about a lot of anti-social behaviour and stabbings that are allegedly associated with them nightclubs and I’m sure the gym will attract a different type of clientele.
“I hope to see a diverse group of people using the facility and hopefully they won’t bring with it any trouble.
“As ward councillor for the area I do welcome the news. There are issues around parking but I’m sure their plan is to have use of parking places and for members to use public transport.”
Leisure
As part of the project, the use of the building will be changed from B1 business to D2 assembly and leisure.
The existing air conditioning will be removed and six new units will be installed while a new shop front will on the ground floor of the building will also be introduced.
Walsall Council accepted the proposals subject to conditions.
Anytime Fitness is behind the plans and a planning statement said: “Anytime Fitness considers Walsall Town Centre to be a strategic addition to our growing portfolio across the West Midlands.
“We have selected Walsall as it is one of the major population centres within the Black Country.
“For the community, Anytime Fitness Franchisees adopt underutilised or vacant properties and generate capital investment in property renovation and fit-out.”
