FORMER BURTON MAIL HOME IS NOW A MARTIAL ARTS HUB
THE former home of the Burton Mail is being used for the first time in five years.
The listed building in Burton town centre at 65 to 68 High Street, was home to the newspaper for 98 years – but lay empty after the publication moved to new premises.
However, the old building was recently sold and the ground floor has now been leased to martial arts firm Beyond Black Belt.
Signs have now been installed on the front of the building.
The mixed martial arts club, which usually has around 350 members, had been looking for a new home with ample car parking and lots of room when it spotted the building, which is opposite Molson Coors head office near Meadowside Drive.
People attending sports sessions get four hours’ free parking as long as they key in their car registration using a machine at the club’s reception.
Kev Ayre, who teaches grappling classes and mixed martial arts, said it had restarted children’s classes but cannot begin the adult classes until May 17 when Covid restrictions ease.
He also issued a video which gives a tour around the premises, showing what will greet members when they visit.
The reception consists of a separate coffee shop, where parents can watch the classes their children are taking part in via live stream.
The ground floor also has three main areas for classes including an area to store bags and coats, as well as training rooms and toilets. There is also a caged area for use during sessions and a changing room for students.
Beyond Black Belt was set up in 2011 and was originally based in Hawkins Lane in the town. It later moved to Derby Road but jumped at the chance to move to High Street which has nearby car parking.
Mr Ayre said: “We moved out over lockdown which was quite stressful. It has been difficult to get grants because we cannot prove trading.
“We saw this building was available and thought it would be great. Members can punch in their car registration numbers in reception and the car park is right next door. We are excited to be back and looking forward to getting everything sorted out.
“We have kept the same sort of theme with our sign as the Burton Mail, so we have kept that little bit of history, too.”
Beyond Black Belt is for members aged 4 and upwards.
Further details are available by visiting the group on Facebook or visiting the new premises.
It is open weekdays from 10am to 2pm and from 4pm to 8.30pm, and weekends from 10am to 2pm.
The Burton Mail building includes the large ornate clock on the outside of the premises.
The building once housed a printing press which printed the Mail, before a newer one was installed at a print centre in Wetmore Road.