Iconic music venue in Warrington town centre could become flats

Friars Court, on Barbauld Street, is a popular pub and bar in Warrington town centre.

Over the years, the iconic venue has hosted many well-known names for performances, including Catfish and the Bottlemen, Viola Beach and The Lathums.

In May, the Warrington Guardian reported that the venue was available to let for use as a café, restaurant, or bar.

“It is unique in that it has a courtyard area that is sheltered and could be developed further,” the listing read.

However, a planning application has now been submitted to Warrington Borough Council develop the venue into a residential property.

The application outlines the intended internal and external alterations needed to facilitate a change of use.

Floorplans show that the building would be comprised of nine one-bed flats if the application is approved.

Each flat would have one bathroom, a kitchen and a living area, and a communal bike store would be available for residents to use in the courtyard.

In a supporting document submitted to the council it is stated that ‘no interested parties’ have come forward to let Friars Court, Flag House and the Fc2 Nightclub.

Friars Court has previously hosted Catfish and the Bottlemen and Viola Beach (Image: Google Maps)

“Both Fc2 and The Friars Court Inn have proved to be commercially unviable and are paying 50 per cent rent to enable them to trade until the end of the calendar year when they will both be closing,” it reads.

“The site is being marketed on Zoopla but with no interested parties coming forwards.

“Given the lack of street presence and location on the periphery of the town centre, a lack of demand for office space with the switch to home working, a commercial future for these properties is considered untenable.”

Despite the recent application, those who use the space believe things are looking better for the venue.

“Having hosted our very first WAM showcase at Friars Court in 2012, both Friars Court and sister venue Eden have had some gigs and unforgettable nights,” said Lee Harman, editor of WArrington Music and founder of Asylum club night.

“From amazing touring artists who have gone onto great things and local bands who have gone on to fly the flag for Warrington.”

Last week, it was announced that Neighbourhood Weekender would be making its grand return to Warrington in 2025. Lee hopes that venues in the town centre won’t be closed before the popular festival returns.

“With so many music venues closing across the country and in the town, I hope that there can be a bright future for a town centre venue that can rival those found in neighbouring cities,” he said.

“I would also hate for the venues fate to be potentially sealed, at the same time that a large festival is announced a couple miles down the road by one of the biggest promoters in the country who is also from Warrington.”