By Nick Griffiths and Jenny Barwise

Last updated at 11:56, Thursday, 28 June 2012

Clubbers who partied in Workington’s Fusion nightclub could literally move in after plans have been revealed to turn it into flats.

The club – a firm fixture on the town’s nightlife scene for 20 years – closed in 2010 and developers have now revealed plans to transform it into 10 town centre apartments.

The proposals, if granted, could see those who spent their weekends there setting up permanent home within the former club walls.

They have been welcomed by Workington MP Tony Cunningham who said town centre flats were “badly needed”.

“[They are] especially needed for the elderly who might need somewhere close to shops and doctors’ surgeries,” he said.

“It seems a good idea – it’s certainly better than the building standing empty."

Fusion, which hosted top-name DJs and events such as cage-fighting at the complex in Ladies Walk, would be converted into eight two bedroom flats and two one bedroom properties.

Allerdale councillor for St John’s ward, Michael Heaslip, said that although it was sad that the town would be permanently losing the nightclub, the next best thing for the building was to be transformed into potential homes.

“It’s a shame that we are losing another night-time venue for the town as I think it’s important that we keep a good night-time economy with lots of things to bring people into the town centre,” he said.

“But if it can’t continue as a nightclub the next best option is flats as it’s better than the building standing empty.”

A planning application has been filed with Allerdale Council.

The flats would be just a stone’s throw from the town’s main shopping streets.

There would be parking for 10 cars as well as four cycle spaces. Cars would get into the site from Bridge Street, pedestrians from Ladies Walk and there would be a new entrance next to the former nightclub’s front doors.

First published at 11:28, Thursday, 28 June 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk