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12
Dec 2022
Viper Rooms: council issues statement after repossessing Harrogate nightclub
North Yorkshire County Council has said it acted in the "best interests" of taxpayers after it repossessed Harrogate's Viper Rooms.
Bailiffs acting on behalf of the council entered the Parliament Street nightclub on Friday and changed the locks.
Notices pinned to the doors said any attempt to re-enter the premises would result in criminal or civil proceedings.
It prompted the club to announce on social media, hours before it was due to open, that it had closed with the loss of 30 jobs.
The venue, which was Harrogate's last remaining nightclub, is part of the Royal Baths commercial investment portfolio acquired by the council for £9 million in 2018.
The club is part of the Royal Baths.
Gary Fielding, corporate director for strategic resources at the council, said in a statement to the Stray Ferret:
Read more:
- Harrogate nightclub Viper Rooms closes suddenly
- Questions raised as Harrogate Royal Baths loses £2.5m in value
- Council accused of 'trophy investment' for £9m purchase of Harrogate's Royal Baths
The council has been under pressure to generate better returns on the Baths.
It was described as an "underperforming trophy asset" by one councillor last year because of its low rate of investment returns.
Last month the council warned it would take a tougher line on tenants following further poor investment returns.
Mr Fielding said the council "has done all it reasonably can to support its tenants" through covid, adding:
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