Bath Spa University has taken over a controversial former nightclub to use as a performing arts centre.

Burdall’s Yard, in London Road, closed almost a year ago after running into operational problems and complaints from residents about noise.

Now the university has announced it has taken over the lease of the 19th century former brewery with the aim of transforming it into a rehearsal and performance facility for students.

Vice-chancellor Professor Frank Morgan said the site was the perfect place for his university’s music and performing arts students.

He said: “We hope that Burdall’s Yard will become a fantastic place for teaching and developing young performers, right in the heart of Bath.

“It’s a wonderful building, with centuries of Bath history behind it, and will be a great resource to enable Bath Spa’s music and performing arts students to contribute further to the vibrant cultural life of the city.”

Burdall’s Yard was originally planned as a community centre, but it eventually became a nightclub and music venue.

But it was caught up in a multi-million pound drug supply court case and never recovered from the uncertainty which the notoriety brought.

Last October it was bought by Simon and Julian Emery, the directors of Bath building firm Emery’s, and the pair said they were looking for people to put in bids for its new use.

At the time they said they had received three serious inquiries from people wanting to put on live music events.

The London Road and Snow Hill Partnership has always said it wanted the site to be used as a community centre rather than a nightclub.

Chairman Alex Schlesinger said he was pleased with the announcement.

He said: “I think this is considerably better than another nightclub.

“The original purpose for Burdall’s Yard was for community use and I’m glad to see that the place is now returning to the original proposal.

“I really look forward to finding out what Bath Spa University is proposing in more detail.

“I’m sure a use by the university is to be much favoured over a somewhat unruly nightclub, which is what we had before.”

Councillor David Dixon (Lib Dem, Walcot) also voiced his approval of the new plans.

He said: “I think this is the perfect us for that site, because that was what its original planning permission was for, a community centre.

“This is a superb ideas and I know Bath Spa University have always been very responsible neighbours and they will take the views of the residents quite seriously.”

The university has said it will be consulting with local residents over the next few months about its plans.

To have your say contact Joe Bennett, head of the school of music and performing arts, via http://tinyurl.com/joebennett.

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