A NEW souvenir shop is occupying space Oxford’s trouble-hit Cellar nightclub has considered moving into.

In June it emerged that the venue off Cornmarket Street was facing its latest closure threat because of stringent fire regulations.

The future of The Cellar in Frewin Court is hanging in the balance after it was ordered by county council inspectors to cut its capacity from 150 to 60 because the 70cm fire escape is too narrow.

When the issue emerged, owner Tim Hopkins said one possibility would be to rent out the former Lush store in Cornmarket above, owned by St Michael’s and All Saints’ Charities.

But this space is now occupied by pop-up souvenir shop Oxford Connect, which will stay until the end of September.

It is understood that The Cellar, which has a busy schedule of bookings, is now considering a number of options.

A spokesperson said: “There is no real update at the moment but we really appreciate everyone’s support.”

Arun Prasad, manager of Oxford Connect which sells Oxford University-style hoodies, phone covers and Harry Potter mugs, said the store, which opened last month, was designed to capture the tourist market during the summer season.

He added that the same company, The London Gift Shop, also ran The Oxford Gift Shop and The Oxford Souvenir Shop in Cornmarket.

Mr Prasad, 32, said: “We are here for the summer and we will stay open until the end of September. The other two stores opened in 2016 and 2017 and have 10-year leases.

“Footfall is very high in Cornmarket so it is a good place to be but I don’t think footfall is as high as it was last summer.

“That’s because the tourists now have the option to go to the Westgate Centre and if they go there first then they will spend their money there."

He added: “I’ve been to The Cellar a few times - it’s a good venue and I wish them all the best with their plans.”

Graham Jones, a member of traders’ group ROX – Backing Oxford Businesses, said some retailers have complained about the growing number of souvenir shops in Cornmarket.

He added: “If Oxford Connect is only staying until the end of September that’s a very short lease indeed but it does mean The Cellar club could still have the chance to occupy the space.

“They would of course need to apply for planning permission for a change of use. It’s possible the owners will rent the space to another retailer instead - it will be interesting to see what happens.”

Rupert Sheppard, clerk to the Feoffees at St Michael’s and All Saints’ Charities, was unavailable.