A NATIONAL homeware store "like The Range" is in talks to set up shop in Newquay's derelict Barracuda nightclub.
The eyesore is no longer owned by the Barracuda Pub Group, and it has emerged that new landlord Hawkstone, based in the West Midlands, is "in negotiations" with potential buyers.
Both Cornwall councillor Geoff Brown and Eve Wooldridge, manager of Newquay's Business Improvement District (BID), have discussed the plans with development manager Simon Handslip, who has been unavailable for comment.
Mr Brown, who broke the news at a meeting of Newquay Town Residents' Association on Thursday, told the Cornish Guardian he was optimistic" a major firm would take it on, helping to re-energise business in the Cliff Road area.
"The main problem is that there's no loading and unloading area but we've spoken to taxi drivers about this who agree the rank outside could be used," he said.
Hawkstone was "looking to attract homeware companies, like The Range" and had "one or two" interested.
"Not only would this get rid of an empty eyesore building; it would bring a quality retail outlet to that end of town," Mr Brown said. "It would be great for Newquay."
Ms Wooldridge said the process could take time, and possibly include demolition of the building. Meanwhile, she had been talking to Mr Handslip about using the building as "community space" and was exploring setting up a group for traders in the Cliff Road area.
The Barracuda was once the town's top club, boasting VIP guests such as Prince William, but closed in 2009 and regularly tops residents' lists of the town's worst eyesores.
