Former nightclub built over 200-years-ago could be transformed into flats ‘The Nile’ nightclub closed down for a number of years Historic building on the corner of Drake Street and Smith Street, Rochdale (Image: Google Maps ) A vacant nightclub building in the heart of Rochdale has stood since the 1700s, but soon it could be transformed into housing. The Georgian-era building, on the corner of Drake Street and Smith Street, was originally the Wellington Hotel, before changing hands multiple times over the last two centuries. ‌ The upper floors have been empty for several years now, but used to be home to ‘The Nile’ nightclub/bar. ‌ Most recently it was the home to the Bombay Brew restaurant, now vacant. Developers, Cassel & Fletcher, want to convert the upper floors of the Grade-II listed building into 10 apartments. The proposals also seek to create a seven-bedroom house of multiple occupation (HMO). The apartments would be a mix of one and two-bed homes, with one studio. The commercial space on the ground floor is not included in the plans. Article continues below No car parking is included in the proposal, but the building faces Rochdale tram stop and has easy access to town centre shops and other transport links. Tram stop in Rochdale town centre (Image: LDRS ) A heritage statement read: “It was built between about 1764, when the vicar gained powers to grant building leases, and 1795, as a town house for Thomas Smith (1743-1806), a wealthy woollen merchant who built fulling mills behind it. ‌ “It was later a school, then from 1818 the Wellington Hotel. Between 1825 and 1839 the police commissioners met here. In 1844, the building was still owned by the Smith family and the hotel was run by Elizabeth Richardson.” A decision on the plans will be made by Rochdale Council’s planning team in the coming months. --- Article continues below Day in day out, our reporters in the Manchester Evening News newsroom bring you remarkable stories from all aspects of Mancunian life. However, with the pace of life these days, the frenetic news agenda and social media algorithms, you might not be getting a chance to read it. That's why every week our Features and Perspectives editor Rob Williams brings you Unmissable, highlighting the best of what we do - bringing it to you directly from us. Make sure you don't miss out, and see what else we have to offer, by clicking here and signing up for MEN Daily News. And be sure to join our politics writer Jo Timan every Sunday for his essential commentary on what matters most to you in Greater Manchester each week in our newsletter Due North. You can also sign up for that here.