New owners pledge nightclub will remain unchanged

2 hours ago

Andy GiddingsWest Midlands

News image — Martin Monahan says more than £2m has been invested in the venue since 2012

Buttermarket/Facebook A person wearing a red New York Yankees baseball cap, white T-shirt and red-and-black checked overshirt stands on a street outside a large white building with arched windows and classical columns. A road curves away to the left of the image, with other buildings visible in the background. — Martin Monahan says more than £2m has been invested in the venue since 2012

The owner of Shrewsbury's Buttermarket has agreed to sell the venue after 15 years at the helm, saying the move will help secure an "even bigger and brighter future".

Martin Monahan announced the nightclub will become part of Shrewsbury-based Cove Group from January 2027, with its new owners pledging it will remain a nightclub.

Cove Group already operates the town's former Dana Prison.

Announcing the sale on social media, Monahan said more than £2m had been invested in The Buttermarket since 2012.

"It was really important to me that it went to someone who understands its potential, appreciates what makes it special and has the ambition to take it forward," he added.

"The Buttermarket has been a huge part of my life, and I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved here and the reputation we've built."

Google A large white building with large arched windows and some red brick visible — The Buttermarket was originally built in the 19th Century, but more recently has served as a nightclub

Monahan said the investment had helped establish the venue as Shropshire's largest independent live music and events venue.

Cove Group chief executive Joel Campbell said the company had "ambitious plans" for the site while preserving the qualities that made it popular.

He said the acquisition created "a real opportunity to bring together entertainment, hospitality, events and experiences in ways that will benefit both businesses and, importantly, the town itself".

'Exciting new chapter'

Campbell said the existing Buttermarket management team would remain in place, while staff, entertainment and bookings would continue unchanged.

All existing tickets and bookings will remain valid following the takeover, with Monahan promising further announcements on future events, experiences and development plans.

The former butter warehouse was built in about 1835 and is Grade II-listed. Historic England said it was originally constructed as a terminal warehouse for the Shrewsbury branch of the Shropshire Union Canal before later being converted into an entertainment venue.

Campbell said: "This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for another of Shropshire's fantastic historic landmarks."

The deal means two of Shrewsbury's best-known historic buildings, the former Dana Prison and the Buttermarket, will soon come under the same ownership.

The prison, which sits next door on Howard Street, closed in 2013 before reopening as a visitor attraction offering tours, events and filming opportunities.