Auctioneers are lining up move to old snooker club
CURRENT PREMISES HAVE SUFFERED FLOODING
A WELL-known auction company in Derby hit by flooding problems is cueing up a move to a former snooker club.
Planning documents sent to Derby City Council state Bamfords Auctioneers aims to move into the former McCluskeys Snooker Club in Nottingham Road, Spondon after suffering major flooding during the past few years.
It is hoped planning approval of the venue will keep the company in Derby. Documents state the venue has stood empty for some time but, if plans are approved, it could be set for a new lease of life.
There had been plans to reopen the venue as a snooker club earlier this year but it appears these have failed to materialise.
Bamfords is currently located at
Chequers Road near Pentagon Island and the A52 but the company is now seeking “more sustainable, flood-resilient premises” which will help “secure their long term future within Derby”.
The auction firm has been seeking changes since November 2019 when the site suffered severe flooding “causing substantial financial and reputational damage” to the company. Bamfords then formally began the process of searching for new premises.
In February 2022, another severe flood warning was issued for the site although the flooding was not as bad as in 2019. Planning documents state Bamfords has struggled to find suitable alternative premises in Derby and was in the process of relocating to Mansfield before the former snooker club site in Spondon became available. Bamfords is keen to remain in Derby, where it has been for the past 20 years.
The plans are to retain the building’s existing structure in its current capacity but redevelop internally to accommodate the needs of the business. The new site would employ 15 members of staff who currently work at the Chequers Road site. The proposed opening hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm.
Derby City Council aims to make a final decision on the plans by the middle of August.