THE founder of mothballed The Arches nightclub in Glasgow has warned that the iconic building will fall into disrepair if a new tenant is not found soon.

Andy Arnold, who ran the famous venue under Glasgow's Central Station from 1991 to 2008, said its closure is "a poor reflection on the cultural optimism of the this city".

And said stressed that the cavernous spaces will become damp and damaged if they continue to be unused.

Writing in The Herald today, Mr Arnold said he fears for the future of the site, home for clubs, music and theatre which he says were the "most law abiding and healthy and safety conscious of any club in Scotland."

The arts venue, whose cultural activities were financially supported by its popular club nights, closed last June after Glasgow Licensing Board removed its entertainment licence following pressure from Police Scotland.

It followed the drugs-related death of Regane MacColl, 17, in early 2014.

Mr Arnold, who is now artistic director of Tron Theatre, said: "With the power turned off, I can guarantee that the dampness will quickly return, the paint will start to peel and the floorboards will warp and buckle.

"After all, those cantilevered arches were built to drain the water from the tracks above, and that water, along with the mice and rats, will find ways to seep back into the interior.

"Before its renovation in 1990 the building had spent 60 years derelict and unused. The landlords will look for another commercial tenant but I think the range of potential uses is surprisingly limited."

Mr Arnold said that an arts company could use the site - which has had its equipment and furniture auctioned - until a full time new tenant is found.

He says: "It might be worth it for some homeless theatre makers to ask for the keys so that they can use the place and keep the lights on while prospective commercial tenants are being sought - I'd recommend it."

Network Rail own the arches space and say they are still looking for new tenants for the site.

The transport infrastructure body said last night it had been disappointing to see the venue - which also had a cafe and bar - close.

A Network Rail spokesman said: “We are seeking to let the property and will maintain the space until a new tenant is identified. "Network Rail had a longstanding relationship with the Arches and it was disappointing to see the venue close.

"Over the years we tried to provide as much support as possible to the Arches, through reduced rental and contributions to improvement works.”