AMBITIOUS plans to turn Lancaster's famous Waring and Gillow building into a restaurant and nightclub have been given the go ahead. The multi-million pound scheme was approved despite concerns from police and bosses at the neighbouring Sugar House Nightclub on North Rd. Police have expressed disquiet about the increasing number of new pubs and clubs in the city centre and Lancaster University's Student Union has questioned the wisdom of developing another large nightclub next to the 1,200 capacity Sugar House.

"We have written to the council and questioned the wisdom of allowing a third night club so close to two others," said union general manager, Peter Elliot.

"We've not been given details about the new club but if the capacity is around 1,000 then there will about 2,500 people spilling onto the streets at two in the morning. We are worried about possible public order problems and the potential for flashpoints. We've just bought the Sugar House outright and are looking forward to the future. This new club will be right next door and we just want to make sure that everything is taken into consideration."

The police claim there has been a surge of drink related violence in the city recently and between May and October there were five incidents in the North Road area. They are also concerned about possible friction between students and the clientele of the new club.

At the planning meeting councillors noted the concerns but welcomed the development plans for the empty listed building. They said it was important the building was brought back into use as soon as possible and that it would improve the 'street scene' on one of the main thoroughfares into the city centre.

Lancaster businessman, Trevor Bargh, is the man behind the ambitous scheme which will see the three-storey building converted into a restaurant, bar, nightclub and shops.

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