Over 50 jobs created as new Shrewsbury nightclub opens

Formally known as Tiffinys, The Fridge, Park Lane, Liberty's, Liquid & Diva and most recently, Onyx and Blu, which closed over a year ago, the venues at Raven Meadows Shrewsbury have been through many names changes but their function as the town’s most active nightclubs over the last 30 years has remained the same.

The venues have been named Trade and Niche, with Trade - the larger of the two venues featuring four rooms, opening first this Friday 28 November.

The venues originally closed due to a planned re-development of the Riverside Shopping Mall, but due to re-analysis and delays with the project, a window for new social projects and shops to occupy the empty space has opened up. The re-opening of the nightspots is set to create more than 50 full and part time jobs and support at network of thousands of people.

Under new management, a Community Interest Company (CIC) has been established called The Shrewsbury Arts and Communities Collective. The CIC will focus on what has been popular in the past and combine the new image with new ideas and experiences, including a focus on social enterprises.

Club Manager, Dene Edwards said: “What is set to be unique and exciting about Trade and Niche, is the social mission we have set out to achieve during the daytime. The project will offer up a space for community groups and musicians alike to meet, work and rehearse.

“A wealth of groups are also collaborating in this project, including many charities and major events such as Shrewsbury Fields Forever Festival, which has brought a wealth of artists to the town including Tinie Tempah, The 1975, Zane Lowe, Maximo Park, The Charlatans, Faithless and the venue itself has hosted historic artists such as The Stone Roses.

Trade is and inviting all over 18's to come and celebrate its opening with a bubbly reception on Friday. It will be open from 8.30pm for invited guests and to the public from 10pm with free entry before 11pm and normal opening on Saturday 29.

Niche, the sister venue, will open up at later date yet to be announced and will provide a space for more 'genre free' musical events such as live bands and 'niche' music projects.

Mr Edwards added: “We are really excited by this project. In the evening we are providing a re-invented vision of the traditional nightclubbing experience with a few new concepts put in for good measure.

“But what is truly great about this project is that the nightclub in the evening will help fund social enterprises in the day, which should not only help nurture the local creative scene but also provide a space and opportunity for many outlets and community groups to collaborate in a networked environment.

“We have already invited in local artist Tasha Dale to create some original artwork for Trade – which has of course undergone a total image overhaul, and many more projects such as this are planned.

“A few surprises are planned for Trade’s official opening which will offer a broad musical palette catering for tastes across the board across the rooms.”