Vibe Nightclub & Bar, formerly known as GLOW, will open its doors to the general public on 22nd October – two weeks after Lancaster University’s Freshers Week.
Days before GLOW formally closed its doors indefinitely, Joshua Hughes was allegedly “assaulted” outside the nightclub. Lancashire Police were called shortly after the incident at about 04:30 BST on Sunday (12th June) following a report that a man had been punched. According to witnesses, Hughes was unresponsive at the scene.
Since the incident, a 31-year-old man from Leigh, has been arrested on suspicion of Section 18 assault but was released on bail pending further enquiries. A woman who was believed to have had an “interaction” with one or more members of a group, which included Hughes, inside the club earlier that evening was also identified.
DCI Jane Webb, of the Force Major Investigation Team, said: “This incident has resulted in a young man losing his life and my thoughts are with his loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. They continue to be supported by specially trained officers.”
Prior to GLOW’s immediate closure, the University of Cumbria Students’ Union had been an official sponsor for the club with Skint Mondays used for student nights. Days after the tragedy, UCSU made the decision to “withdraw [the Union’s] involvement with Glow Rooms at this time” in an official statement.
The University of Cumbria Students’ Union felt that it was “in the best interests of [the Union’s] members,” stating that UCSU takes a “zero-tolerance approach to violence of all forms, including drink spiking and sexual violence.”
Two months later, on the doors of the Mary Street entrance to the nightclub, the words ‘coming soon’ and ‘under new ownership’ were plastered in colourful lettering over the still existing graffiti and near flower tributes to the late father of two.
In the last two weeks, more information on the new owners and nightclub plans has been revealed through an interview conducted by the Lancaster Guardian. Local businessmen, Tim Barbary, Rick Backhouse, and Avinash Nandwani told the local newspaper that their aim for the nightclub is “to provide a fun secure, and safe environment for students and young people alike.”
The trio claimed that they will be “making changes to how the club was run previously” and will do their upmost to make it a “safe venue.”
As well as Vibe Nightclub & Bar, the new owners also have various other investments in the local area. Tim Barbary currently owns several businesses including Morecambe’s Brittlestar wine bar, whilst Rick Backhouse owns Sydney’s restaurant situated on Lancaster High street.
Furthermore, as of two months ago, all three owners were Directors of ART Investments (Lancaster) Limited which is registered as an active private limited company, incorporated on the 22nd August.
In light of the recent news regarding the opening of Vibe Nightclub & Bar, SCAN contacted the University of Cumbria Students’ Union enquiring whether UCSU plans to establish a new sponsorship agreement with the rebranded club.
A spokesperson from the University of Cumbria Students’ Union has said:
“The University of Cumbria Students’ Union is aware of the opening of a nightclub venue, Vibe in Lancaster city centre. The new venue is housed in the same premises as Glow Rooms which was closed earlier this year after the tragic incident in which a young man sadly lost his life.
“The University of Cumbria Students’ Union historically had a sponsorship agreement with Glow Rooms for a student event on Monday night. In the immediate aftermath of the incident earlier this year we took steps which we felt were in the best interests of our members and ended that agreement. This remains our current position.
“We continue to work with our members and elected leaders to review local opportunities with a focus on student welfare and safety.”
As well as the University of Cumbria, Lancaster University Students’ Union previously took steps in the best interest of its students, announcing that they would “no longer be affiliated with groups who have any relationship with GLOW nightclub.”
This came after the Junior Common Rooms for Fylde, Bowland, Lonsdale, and Cartmel colleges posted statements expressing their intention to sever ties with GLOW indefinitely.
Responding to the announcement of Vibe Nightclub & Bar’s formal opening, a spokesperson from Lancaster University Students’ Union has said:
“We are aware of the reopening and will monitor things as they develop. Our primary concern will always be the safety of students and any decision we take will be based on that as a priority.”
Vibe Nightclub & Bar has been contacted for comment.
