City's only nightclub goes up for sale
The only nightclub left in one of England's smallest cities has gone up for sale just months after it reopened under new ownership.
The old Wonderland venue in Ripon was rebranded as DeFacto in September and a dress code was introduced.
Estate agent Fraser Picken, who is selling the business in the city centre, said there had been a "good level of interest" since it entered the market.
The A J Picken agency added that the nightclub had a "monopoly" over the city's late-night economy.
The sale particulars confirmed that the bar currently trades for three nights a week and that the "once-basic premises" had been transformed into an "eye-catching space".
The agency added that the nightspot had a "local and loyal clientele" and an excellent reputation.
It was under the same ownership as local restaurant The Silva Bells.
Lilla Bathurst, manager of Ripon Business Improvement District (BID), said: "It is always sad when a business closes; however we're seeing a large amount of faith and investment in Ripon at present."
She pointed out that high street chains Marks and Spencer and Next were both investing in the city and that the spa baths were undergoing a major rejuvenation.
The vacancy rate for empty shops is currently 7%, down from 12% in March 2024.
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