THE countdown is on for the relaunch of Colchester's biggest nightclub, which has moved one step closer.

Atik once sat at the heart of Colchester city centre, but since being taken over by nightclub chain Epic Bars and Clubs in August the iconic venue has been on a £600,000 refurbishment journey.

The Atik name has now well and truly disappeared, with signs bearing the nightclub's new identity - Trilogy - being installed at the huge High Street venue.

A launch weekend will be held next Friday and Saturday at the nightclub, which will be home to three brand-new rooms and promises to offer partygoers “unforgettable moments”.

The rebranding follows a turbulent few months for the venue, which was originally known as the Hippodrome.

Gazette: Old - the former Atik nightclub, in High Street, ColchesterOld - the former Atik nightclub, in High Street, Colchester (Image: Newsquest)

Gazette: New - Trilogy branding has appeared at the venueNew - Trilogy branding has appeared at the venue (Image: James McKeown)

In May, the Gazette revealed the nightclub's previous owner Rekom UK planned to close the venue permanently.

A last-minute U-turn by bosses saw it remain open while talks over its future continued, and it closed immediately following the takeover by Epic Bars and Clubs in August.

Manager James McKeown previously said it means a lot to him to be able to take the long-standing venue forward under its new guise.

Tickets are on sale now for the launch weekend at trilogycolchester.com.