From Hotel, to Nightclub, to New Nests: Rochdale's Historic 'Wellington Hotel' Building Set for Apartment Transformation
Rochdale, Greater Manchester – An 18th-century building in Rochdale town centre, famously known as the former home of 'The Nile' nightclub, is set to be transformed into new apartments and a house of multiple occupation (HMO) after developers Cassel & Fletcher received planning permission.
The Grade-II listed Georgian-era building, prominently located on the corner of Drake Street and Smith Street, boasts a rich and varied history spanning over two centuries. Originally constructed between 1764 and 1795 as a grand townhouse for wealthy woollen merchant Thomas Smith, it has since served numerous purposes before falling into disuse.
Most recently, the ground floor of the historic edifice housed the Bombay Brew restaurant, which is now vacant. Before that, it was a popular nocturnal haunt known as 'The Nile' nightclub, a name still remembered by many local residents. Its earlier guises included a school and, from 1818, the Wellington Hotel. A heritage statement reveals that between 1825 and 1839, the building even hosted meetings for the police commissioners.
Developers Cassel Fletcher now plan to convert the upper floors of the long-standing structure into residential units. The scheme includes the creation of 10 apartments across the first and second floors, comprising a mix of one and two-bedroom homes, alongside a single studio apartment. Additionally, a seven-bedroom HMO is planned for the third floor.
The commercial space on the ground floor, which housed the Bombay Brew, is not included in the current development plans and will remain separate.
Addressing potential concerns about accessibility, the proposal includes no dedicated car parking. However, the building's prime town centre location offers excellent transport links, situated by Rochdale tram stop and providing easy access to local shops and other public transport networks.
This new chapter for the venerable building aims to breathe fresh life into a significant town centre landmark, preserving its architectural heritage while providing much-needed modern housing in the heart of Rochdale.
The Grade-II listed Georgian-era building, prominently located on the corner of Drake Street and Smith Street, boasts a rich and varied history spanning over two centuries. Originally constructed between 1764 and 1795 as a grand townhouse for wealthy woollen merchant Thomas Smith, it has since served numerous purposes before falling into disuse.
Most recently, the ground floor of the historic edifice housed the Bombay Brew restaurant, which is now vacant. Before that, it was a popular nocturnal haunt known as 'The Nile' nightclub, a name still remembered by many local residents. Its earlier guises included a school and, from 1818, the Wellington Hotel. A heritage statement reveals that between 1825 and 1839, the building even hosted meetings for the police commissioners.
Developers Cassel Fletcher now plan to convert the upper floors of the long-standing structure into residential units. The scheme includes the creation of 10 apartments across the first and second floors, comprising a mix of one and two-bedroom homes, alongside a single studio apartment. Additionally, a seven-bedroom HMO is planned for the third floor.
The commercial space on the ground floor, which housed the Bombay Brew, is not included in the current development plans and will remain separate.
Addressing potential concerns about accessibility, the proposal includes no dedicated car parking. However, the building's prime town centre location offers excellent transport links, situated by Rochdale tram stop and providing easy access to local shops and other public transport networks.
This new chapter for the venerable building aims to breathe fresh life into a significant town centre landmark, preserving its architectural heritage while providing much-needed modern housing in the heart of Rochdale.
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