A LEIGH nightspot has been sold to make way for a burger bar.

Louis XIV, in Broadway, Leigh, has been sold by the Estuary Pub Company group and is closed.

The cocktail bar and party venue had been open for eight years. Before that the premises was home to Reds Wine Bar.

The Estuary Pub Company was unable to divulge who the new owner of the Broadway site is, but said they thought it would now be turned into a burger bar.

Les Harrison, senior manager for Bellinis, Louis XIV’s sister venue on London Road, said there would be no job losses due to the closure.

He said: “I’ve been told to watch this space. It’s going to be fully refurbished, renovated and turned into a restaurant rather than a bar.

“It’s supposed to be closed for about 12 weeks while all the work is done and there will obviously be a name change.

“All of the Louis XIV staff have been transferred straight to Bellinis, so there will be no job losses.

“I guess with the new place opening there will be a net gain of jobs in the town.”

Estuary’s parent company McManus Pub Company bought the venue in 2006, but put it up for sale in 2011 for £495,000.

Louis XIV had a capacity of 200 and was open four nights a week, closing at 11pm on Thursdays and Sundays, and at 1am on Fridaysand Saturdays.

It is expected the new restaurant will be open earlier in the week, potentially attracting more trade to the town during weekday evenings.