TIME is running out for Mr Smith's, after it was confirmed listing the doomed building would not save it from demolition.

A Save Mr Smith's Facebook group has been started, with more than 1000 ‘likes’ so far, calling for demolition to be stopped, and appealing for the building to be listed.

Mr Smith's is not listed, which means it has no legal protection from demolition.

English Heritage, the national body which can apply for buildings to become listed, said Mr Smith's could be considered.

However, it would have to fit certain criteria, such as age, and rarity, and depend on how much of the original building remains intact.

As the listing process is lengthy, requiring a referral, extensive investigation and Government approval, it would not happen in time to save Mr Smith's.

The building can be knocked down from the week commencing August 11, although work is eligible to take place at any time in the following 12 months. 

English Heritage confirmed there is no legal protection afforded to a site under consideration to be listed.

Buildings can also be listed locally with Warrington Borough Council.

Mr Smith's is not on a local list and Town Hall bosses said even if it was, it would not protect it from being knocked down.

A council spokesman said: “A local list indicates that a property may have some heritage value but not from a statutory point of view.

“A local listing would not stop the building from being demolished.”

The building is owned by the Pervaiz Naviede Family Trust. Salford-based property development company LPC Living is acting for the trust.

It said demolition had been decided after four unsuccessful years of trying to sell it.

A spokesman said: “The property has been vacant for the past four years and despite extensive marketing there has been limited interest.

“Whilst our agents have shown a number of nightclub and leisure operators around the building the feedback received was that they felt the it was too large to run on a commercial basis.

“In addition, when it was converted into a nightclub in the 1980s the majority of the original features were ripped out and this conversion may well have restricted alternative uses for the building.

“We intend to work with the council and the community to help create a sustainable development for those living and working in Warrington.”