Product Code Database
Gatecrasher One was a nightclub in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England. The club was a converted warehouse owned by the Gatecrasher dance music brand. The nightclub was originally named The Republic, but this was changed in 2003 after a £1.5 million refurbishment. On 18 June 2007 the venue caught fire and partially collapsed. The building was later demolished.
In 1991 a planning application to convert the building into offices was submitted. These plans were never carried out and a number of applications were submitted to convert the building into a nightclub. The conversion took place in 1995 opening to the public on 1 December of that year.
The club was initially a financial failure, failing to attract the numbers expected. The fortunes of the club were changed when, in 1996, the Gatecrasher night started to use the building for Saturday night events, initially as a few one-off events, eventually becoming Gatecrasher's permanent home.
The rise in success of the Gatecrasher brand coincided with financial troubles for the owner, leading to Gatecrasher buying the venue at a reported six figure sum.
Gatecrasher continually improved the venue, adding a VIP room and replacing the original crane in the main room with the lighting rig arches.
In 2003, Gatecrasher repositioned the brand and after a refurbishment, decided to rename the club. The Gatecrasher brand planned a large expansion of clubs, and the "one" in the name was to be the first of 10 clubs. The other clubs were not however called 2, 3, 4, and 5. (Leeds, Nottingham, Birmingham and Watford).
The focal point of the club was the main room. This was roughly a square double height room with a balcony on two sides. The front and rear of the room were small stages, with the DJ booth originally positioned on the front stage. Over the years a dedicated raised booth was constructed. Railings were positioned around the dance floor area and on the stage. The front stage railings were later removed and replaced with steps.
One of the key features of the club was the raised walkway from the foyer to the second upstairs room. The walkway formed a bridge at the back of the foyer offering views across the room.
The cloak room was accessed via steps from the foyer to a basement level.
The club was very much characterised by the number of stairs, doors and small separate areas.
Gatecrasher employed Matt Rawlinson of Raw design to carry out the interior design of the building, carrying out a number of refits and makeovers. The addition of booths next to the dance floor was the last major alteration before the fire.
Gatecrasher One had a bespoke Opus sound system, three DJ boxes and always had a reputation for top quality laser equipment. Events were held throughout the week with Crasher the flagship night held monthly.
|
|
