Rochdale, Greater Manchester – An 18th-century building in Rochdale town centre, famously known as the former home of 'The Nile' nightclub, is set to be transformed into new apartments and a house of multiple occupation (HMO) after developers Cassel & Fletcher received planning permission. The Grade-II listed Georgian-era building, prominently located on the corner of Drake Street and Smith Street, boasts a rich and varied history spanning over two centuries. Originally constructed between 1764 and 1795 as a grand townhouse for wealthy woollen merchant Thomas Smith, it has since served numerous purposes before falling into disuse. Most recently, the ground floor of the historic edifice housed the Bombay Brew restaurant, which is now vacant. Before that, it was a popular nocturnal haunt known as 'The Nile' nightclub, a name still remembered by many local residents. Its earlier guises included a school and, from 1818, the Wellington Hotel. A heritage statement rev...