Club ready to rock

NEW venture . . . from left, Ben Kelly, Aaron Mellor and Peter Hook. Picture: Kevin Cummins

THE owner of an Oldham nightclub has teamed up with a musical icon to give Manchester revellers a night out with a difference.

Tokyo Industries, which owns Tokyo Oldham in Roscoe Street, has joined forces with New Order and Joy Division’s Peter Hook to launch FAC 251 The Factory.

Aaron Mellor, Tokyo Industries managing director, is a long time Factory Records aficionado having began his career on the Hacienda dancefloor and DJ booth.

Aaron and Hooky had long been planning a new Manchester club venture so when the original Factory Records headquarters came up for sale the opportunity seemed too good to miss.

Original Factory architect Ben Kelly was also recruited to resurrect and completely recast the building to suit its new purpose as a live, rock and roll venue and a state of the art sound system has been installed.

The three-floored venue will showcase local, national and international acts as well as clubnights in the heart of studentland in Princess Street.

The club’s official opening takes place on Friday, February 5, with live performances from Hooky’s supergroup The Light which stars Mani, Rowetta and Howard Marks. Clubnight Stonelove will follow on Saturday.

Visit www.factorymanchester.com for full line up details.