A LANDMARK former cinema and snooker hall in Blackburn is set to go under the hammer next month.

But questions remain over whether the building, last operating as XS Nightclub, will remain as a leisure venue.

Earlier this month it was announced that Blackburn’s largest nightspot, Switch, had ceased trading.

Manchester-based auctioneers Landwood are behind the online sale of the sprawling premises, at the corner of Mill Lane and Mincing Lane, which have remained closed for some time.

The guide price for the lot, which is being sold on behalf of receivers, has been set by the agents at £125,000.

Cllr Phil Riley, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s executive member for regeneration, said: “If there are people who are prepared to invest in a town centre building such as this then that would be a good thing for the town.

“What it quite ably illustrates is the real value of money, for a sale price of £125,000, which you can get in Blackburn and Darwen, when you compare it to similar premises in other towns and cities.”

But Cllr Riley did voice some doubts over the availability of parking for any would-be buyer, though more spaces are now being offered in the Mincing Lane area.

A spokesman for Landwoods said: “The property is considered to have development potential subject to obtaining the necessary consents.”

Purchasers will get 7,576 square feet of trading area, over two floors, coming with a kitchen, toilets and office space, with bars at both levels.

Back in 2013 a bar known as VIP Retro was relaunched by businessman Craig Crosbie as XS, as part of efforts to revive Blackburn’s night-time economy and stem the tide of young people opting to visit Manchester, Preston and Burnley instead.

Bosses at Switch blamed the security implications of a knife fight outside Nocturnal, which was run from the same building, for its ultimate demise a fortnight ago.

They insisted the skirmish had dented customer confidence and the business had begun to incur significant losses.

The former Wheatsheaf Hotel, at the next junction along, is also no longer operating as licensed premises.