Former Chicago Rock nightclub in Warrington could become Asian supermarket and restaurant
Plans for the vacant St Austins Lane building include a grocery store and a 50-seat restaurant, with no takeaway operation proposed.
By Chester Standard
A former Warrington town-centre nightclub could be brought back into use as an Asian supermarket and restaurant under plans submitted to Warrington Borough Council.
The building on St Austins Lane, at the junction with Barbauld Street and Stanley Street, was previously home to Chicago Rock and has remained vacant for an extended period.
The application proposes converting part of the ground floor into an independent Asian supermarket, with the remaining space used for a sit-down restaurant.
Planning records identify the premises as Illuminati Nights, St Austins Lane, and confirm that the change-of-use application was submitted on 26 October 2026.
Supermarket and restaurant proposed
Under the plans, approximately 220 square metres of ground-floor space would become a supermarket selling groceries, food products, drinks and related goods.
The remainder of the ground floor and the first floor would accommodate a restaurant with seating for around 50 customers.
The application does not include a takeaway operation.
The supermarket would operate separately from the restaurant, with different proposed opening hours for each business.
According to the submitted details, the supermarket would open from 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.
The restaurant’s proposed hours are 11am to 9pm Tuesday to Saturday and 11am to 6pm on Sundays.
These arrangements remain proposals and would be subject to any relevant planning requirements.
Existing building to be reused
The redevelopment would primarily involve changes to the internal layout rather than major construction work.
No extension or substantial external alterations are proposed.
Existing entrances, servicing arrangements and facilities would be retained, according to the application.
The submitted Design and Access Statement describes the project as an opportunity to bring a long-vacant commercial property back into use.
It argues that combining a supermarket with a restaurant would provide additional shopping and dining options in Warrington town centre.
The applicant also identifies potential benefits including increased visitor activity, employment opportunities and a broader retail and food offering.
Those are anticipated benefits presented in support of the application, rather than confirmed outcomes.
Planning decision still pending
The proposal has been submitted as a full planning application under reference 2026/01403/FUL.
The application seeks permission to change part of the former nightclub to retail use, classified as Class E(a), with the remaining premises operating as a restaurant under Class E(b).
Planning records show the application was received on 26 October and remains under consideration.
No planning approval has yet been issued.
Residents and interested parties can find the application and associated documents through Warrington Borough Council’s planning website using reference 2026/01403/FUL.
The future use of the former Chicago Rock building will depend on the outcome of that application.