Shrewsbury was in social decline, recession and scandal had hit the towns nightlife hard, the centre was becoming a place to live rather than a place to have fun. With no University the town had always lost its younger generations but now there was even less reason to return. The town was lacking a big venue, it was always well served by smaller pubs and bars but nothing to rival other towns.
In January 2012 it was announced that the abandoned Buttermarket had new owners, businessman Martin Monahan had purchased the building for £325,000 with the plan to invest £1mllion into renervation. The new owner already had a proven track record in the town with restaurant the Peach Tree, clubs C21 and spirit among other businesses.
By April 2012 the cellars had reopened and by September the main arena was complete, the total spent on the revamp was closer to £2million. Investment in a state of the art laser system, boasted as the biggest in Europe, helped the new venue to compete for artists and customers.
Since the clubs relaunch they have attracted top DJ's including Sean Tyas and Charlie Sloth, bands including The Drifters and the lead singer from 80's band T'Pau.
It was this years X Factor finalists that's really put the club on the map. Spread over a dozen nights in the Christmas/New Year period the club attracted this years winner James Arthur, runner up Jahmene Douglas and finalists Union J, Rylan Clark and Ella Henderson.
The huge financial gamble paid off with the club selling out for all nights. Boyband Union J and James Arthur were even booked for a second date based on the success.
Originally built in 1835 as a terminal warehouse for the Shrewsbury branch of the Shropshire Union canal, The Buttermarket is now a listed buidling. The Love Shrewsbury offices in the Pump House look over the Buttermarket, when the lights go on at night we know the town is in for a good night.
www.thebuttermarket.co.uk
www.facebook.com/TheButtermarket
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