An iconic former Angus nightspot is set to go under the hammer in April – at less than half the previous guide price.
The Flicks nightclub building in Brechin was due to be sold in October with a guide price of £75,000, however, it is now back on the auctioneer’s schedule, marked at just £30,000.
In the almost two decades since the club closed its doors for the last time, it has fallen prey to vandals and the elements, and has become increasingly dilapidated.
The building, which has a 1,445 square metre internal area, has been languishing on the buildings at risk register in recent years.
An offer by Angus Council to purchase the art deco building for redevelopment into affordable housing was previously rejected by the owners.
When approached about the possibility of the local authority again trying to acquire the building, an Angus Council spokesperson would only say: “We are always looking at ways in which we can enhance our housing stock, including identifying opportunities where land and property becomes available for purchase; building new homes; and refurbishing and redeveloping properties, so as to ensure we have a housing mix that meets the needs of our communities.”
Brechin and Edzell SNP Councillor Kenny Braes said he was hopeful that a bright future could be secured for the landmark.
“The former Flicks nightclub has become an eyesore, and it is high time that it was tidied up,” he said.
“I appreciate that it is a building that will require substantial investment, but I do hope that it is bought by a responsible purchaser who is in a position to develop it appropriately.
“The fact is that this is just one of several other properties in that area of the High Street that really need work done on them, and their poor appearance really lets the area down.”
Now described as an “exciting development opportunity” by auctioneers Auction House Scotland, the venue first opened as the 820-seat Kings cinema in 1927.
It burst onto the UK’s nightclub scene in the mid-1980s after a major investment by a trio of local businessmen.
In its nightclub heyday, clubbers from across the UK travelled to Brechin to see a string of music and television celebrities.
Pete Waterman and Michaela Strachan also brought their late night show Hitman and Her to the venue in 1990.
