A BUYER has been found for two historic nightclubs in Barrow.

The Cry and Kavanna's both made up part of the town's thriving nighttime economy on Cornwallis Street but have been empty for several years after closing.

The clubs are now both due to be sold.

According to property agents Corrie and Co, both clubs have been sold subject to contract.

The Cry and Kavanna's were both listed for sale for £200,000.

They are owned by the North East firm One Leisure. 

Both Cornwallis Street venues have been in a state of 'deterioration' for a number of years, with Barrow Council concerned about the effect of the buildings' condition on the wider area.

A legal notice was recently served on the owner of both buildings ordering work to be carried out.

It follows attempts by Barrow Council to encourage the owner to carry out repairs.  

The notice came into effect in February. The owner was given four months to carry out a list of repairs.

A description said: "The former Cry Bar is a mid-terrace three storey property of brick construction which most recently operated as a licensed premises, although requires immediate cosmetic attention being in a redundant condition.

Significant renovations would likely be needed to be carried out at The Cry.

A listing said: "Internally the property has been stripped back to near shell condition, featuring two narrow former trade areas on the ground floor GIA and an open plan former trade area to the first floor with servery to one end and balcony views to the floor below."

It said the bar could be used interest to 'local and regional hoteliers, serviced accommodation providers, retailers, investors and developers'.

The nearby Skint nightclub has also found a buyer.

One Leisure, run by Stuart Bowes and Dave Anderson, owns around 80 per cent of the properties in Cornwallis Street, made up of the old Rick Lucas empire of the Imperial hotel and the Kavanna’s, Martinis and Scorpio nightclubs. Mr Lucas also owned the Princess Selandia ‘floating nightclub’ housed in a former Danish ferry which he bought in 2004.