THE former WA1 building has been transformed into a cocktail bar and late night club in time for the party season.

Ian Fitzsimons have opened up the Auction Rooms in Legh Street after spotting a gap in the market while working security in the Cultural Quarter.

The bar will be open until 4am on weekends.

Ian, from Orford, said: "Until now there has been nowhere for people to go in that area after 1am so we’re giving them the option to carry on and enjoy the night.

"We’ve gone for a chilled out atmosphere so there’s enough room for people to have a dance or have a sit down in the booths.

"The DJ gives a funky disco soul vibe to the place with the old classics that people remember."

Ian, who works alongside his wife Michelle, is returning to his roots as he started his career in former Warrington bars like Time Square and Yate's Wine Lodge before forming KFS Security with Eugene Kelly.

The 42-year-old worked his way up from collecting glasses to running bars.

Michelle has worked in the likes of Mr Smith's, Brannigans and The Tavern.

Ian got the idea for the Auction Rooms while working in the Cultural Quarter.

The former Penketh High School pupil noticed that people had to leave that part of town when the bars shut at 1am even if they wanted to continue their night.

And some of the people he met were not keen on moving over to the late night bars in Bridge Street as they cater for a younger crowd.

Ian added: "When this building was WA1 it catered for a different scene. But now the Cultural Quarter has grown the venue is seen as part of that.

"What makes the Cultural Quarter successful is that it's not filled with your standard big brewery houses. It’s little niche bars that tailor for individual preferences.

"There’s good beer, good DJs and all the bars work together. It’s like a community and if one is doing well they want to see all the others doing well. That’s a vital part of the industry these days."

The former WA1 building has also since been used as live music venue O'Sale Rooms and even had a short stint as a lap dancing club.

Ian and Michelle have refurbished the ground floor of the bar but the couple also have plans for the first floor which they are keeping under wraps until the new year.

"The building was looking a bit neglected so it’s been nice to bring it back to life," said Ian.

"It just needed some TLC. The building’s almost 200 years old now."

DAVID MORGAN