A VENUE with a controversial history could become a new up-market bar.

The former Wiseguys and Angels premises on Manor Street could become known as The Office.

The bid to reopen the venue under a new approach will be considered by licensing magistrates next week.

Last year, a court order revoked the licence on the club and bar premises on the grounds that the licensee was "not a fit and proper person to hold a licence".

The club had had several licensees but the person who was the subject of the withdrawal was not named.

Since then, a plan to turn the premises into Bolton's first topless lap dancing bar was revealed.

But, as reported in the BEN, the plans by Rochdale businessman Stanley Fogo to open his Too Hot To Handle venue failed.

Councillors turned down the application for a public entertainment licence on the grounds that it would be "offensive to public decency".

Now local business woman Genna Grundy has revealed her plans to open The Office.

Miss Grundy, whose father owns the Manor Street premises, and who lives in Deane, aims to open up as a high class wine bar type venue.

She said: "We know about the things that have happened in the past.

"But I am determined to prove that a sensible bar for the more mature market can be a success in that location.

"If we get the go ahead we can have a wine bar that also offers food in a relaxed atmosphere where people will feel like having a leisurely coffee and brandy rather than downing pints and pints of lager.

"We will be a strictly over 21s venue with no gangs of lads getting in.

"We will have music but it will be relaxed jazz to fit in with a calm and relaxed atmosphere."

If magistrates approve the application for a drinks licence and a special hours certificate on March 7 Miss Grundy plans to have The Office open for business by the summer.