Collapsed nightclub to be rebuilt

The Sheffield club was the country's first Gatecrasher venue

The owners of a nightclub in South Yorkshire which collapsed in a massive fire have said they are determined to rebuild it.

Emergency crews were called to the Gatecrasher One nightclub - formerly The Republic - in Eyre Street, Sheffield, on Monday evening.

Several staff members were inside at the time but no-one was injured.

The Arundel Street end of the two-storey building later collapsed, narrowly missing firefighters.

Fire investigators were still examining the site for clues on Tuesday.

About 25 firefighters were called in to tackle the blaze at its height.

About 25 firefighters tackled the blaze at its height

A number of roads around the area had to be closed and several student accommodation blocks and work places had to be evacuated.

The Sheffield club had DJs such as Carl Cox, Judge Jules, Pete Tong and Paul Oakenfold appearing there regularly.

Managing director of Gatecrasher, Simon Raine, said he was determined the fire would not be the end of the club.

He said: "We will be looking at how we rebuild the Gatecrasher One club, one of the cornerstones of the UK nightclub scene and our spiritual home, as quickly as possible.

"We want everyone to remember those memorable nights at Gatecrasher One from down the years, safe in the knowledge it will be back - bigger, brighter, louder and more brash."

Gatecrasher bought the old Republic club in 1997 for £875,000. In 2003 it was given a £1.5 million makeover and was renamed Gatecrasher One.