Stourport Workmen's Club set to reopen after major refurb

Businessman Darren Richards has taken over Stourport Workmen's Club to bring the iconic venue back to life.

The Stourport entrepreneur founded the online dating business DatingDirect.com in the late 90s and received a share of £30 million when it was sold in 2007.

The Lickhill Road venue was shut down in August 2022 and was later put on the market.

Mr Richards said developers interested in buying the site could have looked to flatten the club to build new homes.

He said it would have been a "travesty" if the town lost the "valued" venue.

Inside the club prior to refurbishment (Image: Stourport Workmen's Club)

He said he has big plans for the club and is looking forward to welcoming old and new members as soon as the doors are open after an extensive refurbishment.

The venue will reopen as a live music venue, with a large function room, lounge bar, and sports room featuring snooker, American pool, and darts. Food and drink will also be served all day and evening.

Mr Richards, who hopes to open the club in July, has also run bars and restaurants abroad.

The 56-year-old said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to create something truly special for the people of Stourport.

"The Stourport Workmen's Club has a rich history and has been an important part of the community for many years".

The function room at the club (Image: Stourport Workmen's Club)

He added: "I am committed to preserving that history while also creating a modern, exciting venue that will appeal to a new generation of customers.

"I can't wait to see the club buzzing with activity once again."

A competition is now being run inviting people to suggest a name for the venue on the club's new Facebook page.

The person whose suggestion is chosen will receive two years’ free membership at the new club as well as a £100 gift voucher to use at the club.