A prominent and architecturally striking former pub, restaurant, and nightclub in the heart of Tamworth has been placed on the market, offering a new owner the chance to breathe life into a well-known local landmark.
A Building with a Colourful History
The property, known as The Lighthouse, occupies a distinctive whitewashed Art Deco building on Church Street. It was originally constructed in the 1930s to serve as a showroom for the Tamworth & District Electricity Supply Company. Its central balconies and iconic clockface have made it a recognisable feature of the town's streetscape for decades.
The site was transformed in the early 2000s into a bustling bar and nightspot. Over the years, it has operated under several famous brands, including Chicago Rock Café, a Lloyds No.1 Bar, and was part of the JD Wetherspoon’s chain as The Silk Kite.
However, its fortunes changed after its time as a nightclub ended. The premises were left empty and, in a notorious incident last year, police discovered a substantial £300,000 cannabis farm operating inside the building.
Prime Location and Substantial Space
Positioned opposite Corporation Street, the three-storey building offers significant commercial space. The ground floor alone provides 6,492 sq ft of trading area, with a further 974 sq ft available on the first floor.
According to property specialists Fleurets, who are marketing the venue, the ground floor entrance on Church Street opens into a large, open-plan area. This space features a central bar servery, a DJ booth, a dance floor, and raised seating areas. To the rear is a commercial kitchen, customer toilets, and storage.
The first floor contains a beer store, a manager's office, and staff facilities. The property does not include private living accommodation. The upper floors of the building are part of the freehold but were sold on 999-year leases back in 2002.
A Call for a New Operator
Andy Tudor, divisional director at Fleurets Midlands, highlighted the opportunity the site presents. He stated: "The property was converted to a bar in the early part of the 21st century and in that time has been home to the likes of Chicago Rock Cafe and JD Wetherspoons."
"With its 2am licence, seven days a week, it presents a great opportunity for a new operator to revitalise the space," he added.
The guide price for the freehold of this substantial and historic town-centre venue has been set at £300,000. The sale represents a significant chance for an entrepreneur or established operator to restore a piece of Tamworth's social history to its former glory.
