A VENUE in Blackburn which attracted the likes of The Fall and bass legend Peter Hook looks set to be converted into office.

For more than a decade North Bar, in Town Hall Street made a name for itself enticing respected acts to perform in a more intimate setting.

But the bar formerly run by Ronnie Brown, which could only hold around 200 at best, has been closed for two years and is now the subject of redevelopment plans.

Security firm NIS, based in Bank Chambers, Lord Street West, have earmarked the property as its new base. Proposals lodged with Blackburn with Darwen Council show that the ground and first floors would be substantially renovated with a display window replacing the current club-style frontage.

An existing rental property on the second floor would be retained, refurbished and possibly let to a private tenant.

Firm spokesman Simon Wilkinson said in a report: “The building has been left to deteriorate and whilst it remains unoccupied it will only get worse.

The current use as a public house is not likely to help any improvement of the building as there are more public houses closing than opening.”

DJ Jon Carter performed at North Bar’s 10th anniversary show in 2009 and The Fall, Hook and Happy Mondays’ Bez were also on the bill in the venue’s heyday.

Mr Wilkinson added: “In order to create the required office environment there is a significant amount of internal work required due to the building being unoccupied for over two years.”