ONE of the most iconic rock venues in the UK goes under the auctioneer’s hammer next week (Thursday, September 15).
Newport’s legendary TJ’s rock venue, at 14, 16 and 18, Clarence Place, Newport, which closed last year after the death of its long term owner and promoter John Sicolo, is up for sale by Paul Fosh Auctions.
The guide price is £175,000.
Paul Fosh, Managing Director of the eponymous Newport based auction house, said: “The property offers tremendous potential. In addition to the ground floor night club area there is former living accommodation on the first and second floors with potential to convert the whole property into apartments. There is a roof terrace to the rear.”
TJ’s is the reputedly the spot where tragic Nirvana rocker Kurt Cobain proposed marriage to songster Courtney Love after her performance there with her band Hole.
Paul Fosh said: “There’s little doubt TJ’s was an iconic and well known rock venue attracting some major bands especially in the 90’s. It would be great, romantic even, for someone to buy the building and for it to continue its use as a rock venue but that sadly seems unlikely to be the case.
“The building needs plenty of work and, realistically, is much more likely to be acquired for re use as mixed use residential and retail, subject to planning. I have had a great deal of interest in the property especially from local people looking to redevelop the property in that way.”
Tj’s is listed as lot 28 in The Paul Fosh Auction which will be held at the Park Inn Hotel, Circle Way East, Llanedyrn, Cardiff on Thursday September 15 starting at 5pm.