Club revamp ‘boost to night-time economy’

OLDHAM’S Tokyo Nightclub has reopened after a major facelift.

Around 1,000 people attended a successful launch night at the club in Roscoe Street, Oldham.

The club first opened as Tokyo Project in 1997 in the home of the famed Club57/Hurricane club — named after its then owner, snooker star Alex “Hurricane” Higgins.

The relaunch follows the recent opening of a Bierkeller on the ground floor of the building, which has enjoyed a successful run-up to Christmas.

The outside terrace area has been revamped with a vintage 1930s fairground waggon, which can be used as a DJ booth.

The relaunched Tokyo Nightclub plans to run a nostalgic Hacienda club night and band nights in both the club and the Bierkeller in 2016. Tonight sees local Revolution Radio DJ Dave Sweetmore back in the DJ box — he has been a resident DJ at Tokyo for more than six years.

Boxing Day sees Oldham’s former live venue The Castle hosting a reunion night, and on New Year’s Eve, Tokyo will welcome DJ Clint Boon, keyboard player with Inspiral Carpets, who will be returning to his old stomping ground.

The revamped club will be open every Saturday from 11.30pm until 4.30am with regular DJ slots.

Aaron Mellor, managing director of Tokyo Industries, said: “It’s about trying to get the party back into Oldham but there’s also a serious side. We need to create a connected late-night economy working together for the benefit of the town. People forget that when a town’s nightlife dies, all the support infrastructure - taxis, fast food, fashion and hairdressers - also slow.

Newly-elected Oldham MP Jim McMahon attended the VIP opening night at the Bierkeller: “We are all working hard together to create a decent town centre with great bars and restaurants for residents and visitors to enjoy — and these new and revitalised venues are a great addition.”