A former strip club near the city centre of Bristol could be set to be transformed into housing and a new commercial unit. The former Jack of Diamonds club, at West Street in Old Market, could be converted into nine residential units spread across the various floors of the building, as well as a commercial unit which overlooks the street.
The club was previously used as a nightclub and dance venue throughout the years, having started life as a public house back in the 18th century. More recently, it was a strip club which saw the frontage of the building blocked up.
In plans submitted to Bristol City Council, nine residential flats, seven of which would be one-bedroom, will be created across the four floors (which excludes the basement). The flats range in size from 39sqm to 62sqm.
The proposed commercial unit would be 55sqm in size and access to the unit would be reinstated on West Street. Flat access will also be on West Street and a bin store will be accessed from Waterloo Street as well as within the building.
On the ground floor, the commercial unit and a flat will be located. The first floor would see three flats be created.
The second floor would incorporate three flats and the third floor (which would be within a mansard roof due to be created as part of the development) would have two flats, both of which would contain two-bedrooms.
The design and access statement said: “The scheme aims to create nine residential units and a commercial space. A mansard roof has been proposed to incorporate a third level which would be masked behind the existing parapet. Slightly altering the internal levels would allow for a minimal increase in height in regards to the existing roof level.
“Apartments have been designed in line with building standards – allowing for a mixture between one and two occupants to meet the demand of an increasing young demographic population.”
Jack of Diamonds was the first business in Bristol to be fined £1,000 and forced to close down for breaking Covid-19 rules back in 2020. In the early hours of October 18, officers from Avon and Somerset Police found 80 people at a party.
However, just days later, the owner of the nightclub was fined £10,000 after staging another party – where officers found that staff were setting up for a Halloween party to be held that night. Police chiefs said that “the level of disregard” was “truly shameful” and the owner had “the most blatant show of contempt” for the Covid-19 health crisis.
Want the latest Bristol breaking news and top stories first?Click here to join our WhatsApp group. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read ourPrivacy Notice.