Former nightclub set to face bulldozers

Demolition work has started on what was once one of Hull's best-known nightspots.

Contractors have started stripping out the derelict Lexington Avenue club on Ferensway ahead of the bulldozers moving in.

The city centre venue started life as the Locarno ballroom in the early-1960s.

Originally hosting big jazz bands, it later embraced pop and rock groups, attracting diverse acts such as Jethro Tull and The Sweet.

A name change to Tiffany's in the 1970s coincided with the disco revolution and another change in musical direction.

In the late 1980s the name changed again after a fresh makeover, this time to Lexington Avenue or LA's, as it become universally known.

The good times finally came to end four years ago when the venue closed after its owners went into receivership.

The building was bought by Hull City Council two years ago as part of long-term plans to develop the site.

It applied for £4.2m of Lottery funding to help to build a £8m youth centre on the site, which was unsuccessful.

The Youth Interchange would open seven days a week, including holidays, and offer a late-night "safe haven" for youngsters.

Since the bid was rejected, the future of the site has become unclear.

A council spokesman said the decision to demolish the former club had been taken for a number of reasons.

"The former LA's building is a council-owned property and it is being demolished to minimise occupancy costs and deter further vandalism from occurring,'' he said.

"Medium to long-term plans for the site may include council re-development or development and sale to a private investor.

"In the meantime, we will be looking at short term usage for the site, such as car parking," he added.

*Do you have memories or photographs of the former nightclub? If so, email news@mailnewsmedia.co.uk.