The manager of Club 85 has admitted that the future of the venue remains uncertain, but work has begun to find a new home for Hitchin's popular music spot.

The plans, submitted by the landlords of Club 85, would see the Whinbush Road spot knocked down, and replaced by 16 apartments, including five one-bed and 11 two-bed properties.

The 300-capacity venue has played host to the likes Neville Staple from The Specials, and Glenn Matlock, a member of punk rock icons the Sex Pistols, establishing itself a renowned spot for independent, grassroots music.

The plans to develop the site were submitted after landlord Jas and Ranjit Lidder took the decision to retire, with the pair admitting that development is the "best choice".

Manager Bob Mardon has now admitted that while the future of Club 85 looks uncertain, work has already begun on finding a new location for the venue.

"So, after a glorious 20-plus years running thousands of gigs at Club 85, it is with great sorrow that we have to say we're probably not going to be in this building for more than a year or so," read a statement.

"We'd like to say a huge thank you to Jas and his family for hosting our grassroots music venue and wish him well in his retirement.

"While the our future is not yet secure, we are working to establish our options towards finding a positive resolution and even a new location locally that we aim to make even better for our community.

READ MORE: Flats the 'best choice' as Club 85 landlord opens up on demolition plans

"We look forward to continuing conversations with Music Venue Trust, North Herts Council, stakeholders and the music community to ensure live music continues to thrive in our town.

"Over the years we have proved that North Herts needs and supports a grassroots music venue, so many acts have grown up on our stage and gone on to stardom and many successful industry professionals took their first steps with us.

"We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved so far and look forward to continuing to bring great live music to our community.

"We are going to need your support over the coming year or so to prepare for this move."

Bob and the team were also keen make it clear that they hold no "ill will" towards the landlords, continuing: "While we want to thank everyone for objecting to the planning application and thus showing the council how important the venue is to you and the town, we would like to encourage you to act with kindness towards our landlord.

"We have no ill will towards Jas, we understand his decision to retire and we can understand wanting to do what is in the interest of supporting family."

To read the application for Club 85 in full, visit pa2.north-herts.gov.uk/online-applications.