First pictures inside 051 as club prepares to reopen for first time since 2005
The ECHO was given a tour around the 051 ahead of its reopening tonight
The ECHO was granted an exclusive look around the iconic Club 051 ahead of its reopening to eager clubbers for the first time since 2005.
The famous underground space, recognised in Liverpool as one of the definitive nightclubs of the 1990s and early 2000s, was a ruin of its former self just months ago. But after ambitious plans by former resident Lee Butler and the team at Reminisce Festival and In Demand radio were put forward at the start of the year, the club will open its doors tonight, Saturday, September 23.
The ECHO was previously granted a look inside the famous club, found in the belly of the 051 Building at the foot of Brownlow Hill and Mount Pleasant, earlier this year. At the time the iconic space, once known as the definitive Scouse nightclub, was beginning to take shape after it had been untouched for nearly two decades.
READ MORE: Inside refurbished Club 051 where clubbers will soon 'make new memories'
READ MORE: How the 051 became the ultimate Scouse nightclub of the 90s and early 00s
When Butler and the team got permission to go back into the club they found broken metal and glass littering the floor, severe water leaks and scrawled graffiti on the walls. But the team had turned it around and the framework for the club was starting to take shape.
The club will reopen tonight with a sold out over 30s event, featuring the likes of Butler and Dave Graham, which will soon be followed by another event the following Saturday. Butler will also host his own birthday event next month for over 25s.
He told the ECHO it is a "tough balancing act" to ensure both the older crowd and younger generation get to experience the club. But the six time winner of ECHO DJ of the year, said the support the team have received since he announced the club was coming back has been "amazing" with his "online following really getting on board".
Speaking to the ECHO ahead of the reopening, Butler said: "The club is better than it ever looked before. It's never looked as good as it has now. It's been chaotic to get to this point but exciting as well.
"It's been all hands to the pump this week. The lighting, sound, graphics are all incredible. The support we've had to get to this point is quite overwhelming.
"I'm excited but nervous for the opening. I just want good feedback because ultimately it's my project and the success of it reflects on me. I just want it to go well. I want people to have a good time."
Butler added: "We're on the verge of opening. I can't wait for people to walk down the stairs for the first time in years. I've been contacted by loads of people who made some of their best memories at the club.
"Tonight people can make some new memories. I'm really, really proud of what we have done."
All photos were taken by ECHO photographer Colin Lane.
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