Preston, South Ribble and Leyland news, ,what's on, traffic, weather plus Preston North End latest

Town centre boom forces £5m nightclub out of business

From the Bolton Evening News, first published Tuesday 30th Mar 2004.

ATLANTIS, Bolton's largest nightclub, has closed.

The £5million venue, one of the most expensive nightclubs in the region, opened in a blaze of publicity six years ago as "a superclub for the Millennium" and has attracted top stars including chart toppers Girls Aloud and Busted.

But recently it has failed to attract enough clubbers to continue trading effectively and hit financial difficulties. The last dance was held on Saturday night.

The club's owners, First Leisure PLC, today confirmed that the decision was taken due to "commercial reasons" and said the club has closed "with immediate effect."

In a statement, John Smith, chief executive of First Leisure PLC, today said: "We are currently consulting with our staff and investigating the possibility, where practical, of offering them alternative employment in our other venues." Atlantis manager Mark Law said he was unable to comment.

Town centre licensees say they are shocked at the news but revealed rumours of the club's demise and financial struggles had been circulating for weeks. They claim the boom in late-night town centre bars has contributed to Atlantis's downfall.

Arron Sloly, manager of J2, said: "There has been a lot of gossip. It is sad news. I think the change in Bolton's night time economy has got to be a factor. With all the new bars opening and the 2am licences, Bolton town centre is the place to be again.

"At the time it was a novelty getting a free bus to Atlantis. Now people tend to stay in the town centre."

Atlantis employs 40 people including managers. Most are part-time. Named after the mythical underwater city of Atlantis, the nightclub opened its doors in January 1998 and 75 new jobs were created. It has a capacity for 2,500 clubbers and includes six bars, two dancefloors and a VIP lounge.

Eastenders star Marc Bannerman, who played Gianni di Marco in the soap, cut a ribbon to open the club and dance acts Ruff Driverz and DJ Brandon Block wowed the crowds.

Beams from a giant searchlight lit up the night sky and could be seen more than eight miles away.

Coronation Street's Les Battersby, actor Bruce Jones, Spandau Ballet's Martin Kemp and So Solid Crew's Romeo are among the many celebrities who have appeared at the club. It was also shortlisted in the final three for Disco International Nightclub of the Year in 1999.

But Atlantis has also had its problems. In November, 2000, a police hunt was launched after a gunman blasted two men in the stomach as they left the nightclub in Eagley Brook Way.

First Leisure today remained tight-lipped about the future of the Atlantis building.

Mr Smith said: "We are most grateful to our management and staff for all the hard work they have invested in the club, and for their dedication and devotion to the business. We would also like to thank our customers past and present for their loyalty."

The under-18's event scheduled for tomorrow is to take place at IKON.

Town centre

boom forces

£5m nightclub

out of business

Booming clubs

in town centre

put nightclub

out of business

Archive Home