Going but not forgotten - 'magical' former Kiko's nightclub in Pontefract set to be mothballed

For years it was the life and soul of a town's party scene.
The venue stands on Stuart Road.The venue stands on Stuart Road.
The venue stands on Stuart Road.

But sadly, last orders have been called on the old Kiko's nightclub in Pontefract.

The Stuart Road venue is set to be demolished having laid empty and abandoned for several years, as part of plans to spruce up the gateway into the town from the north.

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Senior Wakefield councillors are likely to rubberstamp the job next week, with the intention of clearing the site for future development.

But for Pomfretians of a certain age, Kiko's will always evoke fond nostalgic memories of drinking, dancing and having a laugh with their mates.

Town native and British Bake Off star Karen Wright said she was sad to hear the end for the building is nigh.

"I couldn't wait to be old enough to go and when I did it was magical - two round dance floors, palm trees and running waterfalls," she recalled.

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"I used to go twice per week on Tuesdays and Fridays. After a pub crawl finishing at the Green Dragon, we would totter off in our heels or platforms.

"In fact when my visiting Greek boyfriend came once he commented on the sound of the girls shoes making their way down front street.

"As the years passed it got a bit worn down and the carpets were very sticky but it still held its magic for me."

Like many other empty buildings, the old Kiko's site has been ravaged by anti-social behaviour in recent times, even being subject to break-ins.

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Pontefract councillor David Jones said: "It's been a much-loved destination for many years but time has moved on and the building is surplus to requirements. It has deteriorated quite significantly.

"I think many people feel they'd like a nice new welcoming gateway to Pontefract and that's key to improving this wonderful town.

"It'll be good to see what imaginative ideas might be put forward for what can be built in its place."

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Pontefract's old fire station building, which lies opposite Kiko's, is also part of the regeneration plan. It will be sold onto Wakefield District Housing (WDH) to be converted into new flats.

Local Democracy Reporting Service