RESIDENTS have expressed their frustration at the lack of progress on the site of a former nightclub ­— which has remained untouched for two years.

The former Ikon and Ritzy's nightclub ­— once home to the Astoria Palais de Danse ­— was demolished in September 2017.

Planning permission was granted to Moorgarth, the owners of the Market Place Shopping Centre, at the end of 2016 for a 150-bed hotel and 400-space car park.

Demolition work started in September 2017, but the site is still closed and under construction over two years later.

Photos of the run-down site were shared in a post to the Palais De Danse Bolton Facebook page, dedicated to memories of the iconic venue, to show the state of progress.

Some members have branded the site as “disgusting” with others calling it “horrible to see”.

Cllr Akhtar Zaman said: “In terms of the site it’s right next to the Market Place which is a jewel in Bolton’s crown.

“I think it’s very important that that site is developed for the town centre and would make things look nice.

“It would really add to the town centre if it was developed and help the area, given that we’re trying to revitalise and redevelop the town centre I think it would be welcome news.

“I’d love to see it compliment our Market Place and our town centre.”

The Bolton News reported in March that Moorgarth was looking at integrating the site with the shopping centre’s floorspace, but the South-African owned company did not confirm what stage it was at with the new plans.

When approached about the site, Nikki Wilson Cooke, centre manager for the Market Place Shopping Centre, said the firm was in discussions but was unable to comment at this time.

The Palais de Danse was built in the 1920s and was a mainstay of the town up until 1979. It was later renamed Ritzy's then Ikon.

The building had been vacant since Ikon closed in 2012 and was bought by Moorgarth for around £500,000 in 2016.