Fire crews were called to the former Zanzibar club and Bethel Community Church in the Stow Hill area of Newport at 6.30pm on Friday.
Gwent Police said significant damage was caused by the fire, which was brought under control after three hours.
More than 70 firefighters using 10 fire engines and 11 supporting appliances, including a crane, were needed to tackle it.
A 43-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman from Newport were being held on Sunday morning after being arrested on suspicion of arson.
Around 40 people were evacuated as a precaution after the fire broke out, while others were told to keep doors and windows closed, Jennie Griffiths, joint head of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said.
Bethel Community Church organised a prayer meeting on Sunday morning in the Stow Hill car park.
Pastor Andrew Cleverly said: “Our building may be gone, but the church is alive.”
Shocked former regulars at the nightclub, which was also previously known as Brooklyn Heights and Lasers, took to social media to comment.
Twitter user @WelshMumWriting wrote: “So sad for the old Brooklyn Heights/ Zanzibar building, and awful for Bethel. A loved centre for the community. Awful, really awful.”
Police say the cause of the fire is still under investigation and have appealed for witnesses to come forward.
Local commander, Supt Ian Roberts, said: ‘We are continuing to work with South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Newport City…
… Read More
—
Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Premier Christianity News.