A NELSON nightclub could soon have new owners after being put up for sale with an asking price of more than £300,000.

The El Tropicano nightclub, housed in one of the town's oldest buildings at the junction of Hibson Road and Cobden Street, is on the market for £330,000.The owners of the club today would not say the reason for the sale but stressed the nightspot was still open for business.

And licensed property agents Christie and Co are marketing the venue across the North West in a bid to attract a buyer.

They are promoting the nightclub which Christie and Co say attracts revellers from across the borough as "one of Nelson's most ambient venues offering a wide variety of music to suit all tastes".

And they are sure the building, which can be sold as a going concern, will attract plenty of interest.

The building was a casino in the 1960s and 1970s but was converted into a nightclub with capacity for more than 300 people. It now also has a luxury apartment upstairs.

In March 2003 El Tropicano underwent a total re-fit but closed shortly afterwards. However, the following March the club held a grand re-opening.

Owner Eileen Ansar claimed the club would provide a community facility and said she hoped to expand the business to offer wedding and conference facilities. Sean Hartley, of the Manchester office of Christie and Co, said the club's location near to the town's railway station and pub circuit was a major plus for investors.

He added: "Currently operating with a resident DJ and drawing trade from the surrounding areas and beyond, the property benefits not only from its prominent location but also from having a modern two-bedroom apartment to the first floor suitable either for owner's or manager's accommodation."