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Nightspot set to rise from the ashes after fire

Michelle McKenna
12/ 1/2006

A POPULAR Accrington nighspot, which was destroyed in a blaze over a year ago, could soon rise from the ashes.

Opium nightclub and the Voodoo Lounge have been closed since the fire tore through the three-storey building on Willow Street where they were based.

Owner Mick Cookson has been in talks with his insurance company for the past four months trying to get the money in place to re-open the clubs.

The Voodoo Lounge, which was on the ground floor of the building, was not as badly damaged as Opium, which was on the second storey.

Plans have already been drawn up for the new-look Voodoo Lounge, which include a piano bar, and Mr Cookson said he is ready to start work, as soon as the cash comes through.

He said: "We are still in talks with our insurance company at the moment but we are on the right track to getting it sorted out and hopefully work will start soon.

"We are definitely getting nearer and plans have been drawn up for the Voodoo Lounge to re-open. All the planning is done for that and we are ready to go as soon as the money is in place."

Mr Cookson is not sure what will happen with the second and third storey of the building yet as they were more badly damaged in the blaze.

He said: "A lot of water has come into the building because the roof was damaged and it is damp. Downstairs will be repaired quicker but upstairs is a bigger job, the top floor is the worst. All of the floors will have to come up, back to the girders, because of the water. "