The man behind plans to create an entertainment venue at the former Embassy Suite has revealed he is now on the hunt for an alternative location. 

Ian Saunders had plans to turn the site, in Balkerne Hill, into an venue offering live bands, DJs, comedy nights, cabaret, LGBTQ+ events, singles’ and couples’ nights approved last month.

However, a rival bid, from the World Mission Agency, known as Winners Chapel International, has also been approved for the site - which was most recently a Chinese restaurant but has been a nightclub in the past.

Mr Saunders, who originally wanted to host adult entertainment at the venue but failed to get a licence, has now revealed he is looking for alternative venues for his Solo Summers project.

Read more >> Second bid to revive old Embassy - this time as a church - is approved

Mr Saunders, who set up Solo Summers in honour of his late wife Solo, said: “With respect to Solo Summers, we also believe in bringing people together in the sense of union, acceptance and love, so we truly wish the World Mission Agency all the best for the future.

“We certainly would never prevent anything of a divine nature, so we, as Solo Summers, are currently in talks in respect of a new location.”

He added: “We are assessing all viable options but Colchester would certainly be our preferred location of choice.”

Christian church Winners Chapel International, which is based in Dartford, Kent, is an arm of Living Faith Church Worldwide and was founded by Bishop David Olaniyi Oyedepo, who grew up in Nigeria but spent much of his life in the US.

It has several regional groups in England, America and Europe but the church in Colchester would be its first in Essex.

Once it is redeveloped the Embassy could accommodate more than 160 adults and children for weekly services.

Downstairs a children’s church would be created while the first floor would house a youth church and main auditorium with an elevated altar.

Toilets and office facilities also form part of the plans.