Plans to transform Eastwood biker bar into grand wedding venue

The MFN (Miles From Nowhere) Club in Long Lane, Shipley Gate, off the A610, is set to get a new lease of life after closing in November.

Set up by Malcolm Allured, former guitarist and founder of the pop group Showaddywaddy, the venue now has new owners, Ben and Sarah Reeves.

The change in ownership is set to see a major pivot in the venue’s use, plans filed to Amber Valley Borough Council detail.

It had been a national focal point for bikers, attracting thousands of people, and had also hosted many car meets for avid motorheads, with live music every day of the week.

If approved, the site would become a wedding venue and a lake would be created, around which would be 21 shipping container glamping pods and a refurbished train carriage – serving as a breakfast catering unit.

The buildings themselves would have a modern overhaul with new cladding and a number of existing extensions and outbuildings would be demolished, with the aim of “prettifying” the venue. This would include the current toilet blocks, outdoor dining area and stage “which give the site an unsightly appearance”.

The planning application filed to the council details that the venue had provided 10 jobs and this would be increased to 55 jobs.

Meanwhile, parking space would be reduced from 181 spots to 85.

Planning documents detail that the now former MFN Club, previously known as the Shipley Boat Inn, had been the source of many “problematic” noise complaints, including the prosecution of two statutory noise nuisance cases, leading to two abatement notices, which are understood to remain in force.

The documents say the venue would become a “boutique hotel and hospitality venue” capable of hosting wedding parties with up to 220 people.

They detail that the 21 proposed 20-foot “converted eco shipping containers” would be for guests, with one designed to be a bridal suite, including a bath, and three for family units.

Breakfast would be served in the refurbished train carriage, the documents say, with the option of a continental breakfast in the facility or for guests to be able to “grab and go”, returning to their accommodation with a breakfast bag.

A new terrace area would be built which would extend out into the lake and could be used as an alternative outdoor ceremony option, with an adjacent glazed canopy area.

The main building complex would be used as a “banqueting hall” and a ceremony hall would be housed in the former music venue.

A large section of the banqueting hall would be removed and replaced with a large amount of glazing, looking out onto newly landscaped gardens.

The first floor would include a small terrace for the bridal party to relax and prepare for the ceremony, the documents detail, which would stem off a bridal suite, with a suite for the groom’s party nearby.

A statement submitted with the plans, on behalf of the applicants, said: “We believe that the proposals are low impact and are significantly less imposing and extensive than the previous building activities.

“The existing building and site have been designed in a careful and considered approach through material choice and attention to detail, and through an understanding and appreciation of the site’s context and focussing on the historic past of the site, we believe the form and architectural character of the buildings will enhance the external appearance of the existing building and reduce the impact in the landscape and green belt.

“Furthermore, the proposals will remove the former nuisance and disturbance from the previous business (nightclub/music venue) and activities across the site, which as a result will considerably improve the impact and tension that this has had on the neighbouring properties.

“A continuing use and associated income stream will help to preserve the significance and natural beauty of the site; supporting its future sustainability for generations to come.”