IT was once labelled York's "superclub" by drinkers.

Now Ikon and Diva could soon start a new life - as a bulky goods superstore.

Owner Luminar Leisure has put in a planning application to City of York Council asking the authority to change the building's use from a nightclub into a bulky goods retail unit.

The company, and its agent, has told planners the application would not propose any demolition or alteration to the existing building, and would help to improve the city's retailing - without threatening York city centre's shopping dominance.

Applications chiefs are anticipating the new superstore and warehouse, which would be along the lines of a furniture, DIY or electrical superstore, could be "designed" in 2007.

It brings to an end any suggestions that the out-of-town building, in Sterling Road, at Clifton Moor, could be reinvigorated as another night-stop.

Luminar Leisure's planning application reveals the company did initially try to market Ikon and Diva as another nightclub, but received no interested replies.

It concludes its existing "leisure use is no longer viable".

In fact, the application argues that any re-use of the building as a nightclub would actually "undermine attempts to improve the city centre evening economy".

The firm decided, in February, to close the 2,000 capacity club, blaming its decision on the deregulation of licensing laws which had resulted in a number of late-night bars springing up over the city.

A consultants' report supporting the company's application reveals that a number of sites were looked at for "bulky good" use, but only Clifton Moor was deemed to be suitable.

The application is only applying for a change in the building's use. Any firm application to turn the nightclub into a shop would require a separate planning application.

A Luminar Leisure spokeswoman today confirmed that the "property had been closed in March" and that the company was "currently exploring alternative uses" for the building.

Updated: 10:04 Saturday, August 20, 2005