Simon Rigby puts former home of Fives bar up for sale for £1.25 million

49/51 Guildhall Street is now listed on the market for 1,250,000. Pic: Simon Rigby

Mr Rigby put the Guildhall Street venue on the market last week, more than a year after Fives closed its doors for good on New Years' Eve 2018.

Also available to let, he revealed that a number of parties had shown already interest in leasing space among the 14,400 sq ft of its four floors.

But the millionaire said he is in "no rush" to offload the property.

The Grade II listed building was built in 1878 for the Preston Central Conservative Club. Pic: Simon Rigby

He said he is seeking to safeguard the future of the Grade II listed building, and would prefer to let the property to someone with a "real stake in Preston's future".

"I want somebody who is dedicated to the city, someone who can commit themselves to Preston, who can do this wonderful building justice," said Mr Rigby.

"Preston is undergoing a real transformation and I think this stunning and historic building can play an exciting role in its future.

"I love this building, always have, I think it's probably one of the top five buildings in Preston.

The property spans over four floors and is available to let as a whole or in part. Pic: Simon Rigby

"That's why we spent a lot of time and invested a lot of money in renovating the place to such a high degree just a few years ago."

Mr Rigby bought the building in 2016 from Preston businessman Edgar Wallace after it had stood vacant for six years.

He oversaw its renovation before leasing it to Shaun Patchett, a London-based operator, who reopened it as Fives bar in 2017.

"I'm Preston born and bred and I want to make sure that someone with a real stake in Preston's future can do the building justice.

Rigby said the building is "ready to go" with five furnished bars across its four floors. Pic: Simon Rigby

"We don't want it getting into the hands of someone who is going to take the goodness out of it."

Mr Rigby said the landmark building at 49-51 Guildhall Street, built in 1878, would ideally serve two separate businesses.

One business would be located in the basement and another spanning the three floors above.

"The beauty of the place is that it's all ready to go," added Mr Rigby.

The building was renovated by Simon Rigby in 2016 after he bought it from Preston businessman Edgar Wallace. Pic: Simon Rigby

"Everything is fitted ready for the right bar and restaurant to come along and open its doors.

"People in Preston remember the good times when it was the Cocktail Factory and I'd love to see the building become a much-loved part of Preston's nightlife again.

"It's such a wonderful building and a big part of the city's history, it deserves it."