A former Bath brewery has been transformed into an all-purpose venue to host everything from conferences to concerts.
The finishing touches are being put to a scheme to convert Burdall’s Yard into a versatile venue for public and private use.
The 5,000sq ft site, which dates from the 19th century, was bought as a derelict building by a group of 10 investors in 1998.
Builder Steve Carter was a member of the consortium which clubbed together and bought the building in Anglo Terrace, London Road, for around pounds62,000.
He said the group had spent more than pounds500,000 revamping the premises with a view to creating a unique venue.
When it opens on Saturday, April 5, Burdall’s Yard will operate as a licensed premises with permission to open on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays until 11pm, and until 2am on Saturdays.
Although the project began in 1998 a lack of funds meant construction came to a halt after three years. The work did not begin again until 2004.
Mr Carter said: “It has taken a lot of work to get to this point. We didn’t realise how big a project it was when it began.
“We originally planned to have it completed in between two and three years, but I don’t think we realised quite what we were taking on.
“It is hard to remember how the building was when we first started but we are really proud of what we have done. The site was totally derelict when we came in.”
Burdall’s Yard manager Lesley Simons is keen to stress that the development will not be launched as a nightclub but rather as a venue for the surrounding community.
The premises will also be used for live music, and boasts recording facilities for bands and artists.
Organisers are also in the process of applying for a licence to hold wedding ceremonies in the vaults.
Mrs Simons said: “The premises have been designed to be used for performing arts such as acting and drama as well as for the potential use by the community with day-time groups.
“We will also hire the venue out for conferences for businesses, as well as weddings, birthdays and even wakes. It is going to be all things to all people.
“People will be blown away by what they see when we open in April. There is nothing in the city to touch this venue.
“The vaults were here and it was just about having the knowledge to transform them and have that vision.”
Residents living close to the development had raised concerns about the extra noise and traffic the venue would bring to the area.
But in September 2006 Bath and North East Somerset Council granted the owners a premises licence for six months after the date of opening on condition that it only operated until 2am on either a Friday or Saturday each week.
Article from:Bath Chronicle, The
