THE bosses behind a new drag club coming to Colchester say they will create a "glamorous and vibrant venue" after plans were given the green light. 

The Dragonfly Lounge, a drag show venue and bar, will open at Foundation House, Long Wyre Street, Colchester, after its planning application was approved by Colchester Council.

In September, a planning application was submitted for a unit at the former Co-Operative Department Store in Foundation House, which has been vacant for several years.

Foundation House is owned by the East of England Co-op and in 2020, the site was transformed into a restaurant and retail units site in a £5.5 million redevelopment plan.

Jo Palmer-Tweed, 55, of Colchester, and Dan Deller-Thompson, the current chairman of Colchester Pride, are the founders of The Dragonfly Lounge.

Happy - Jo Palmer-Tweed signing the lease for the unitHappy - Jo Palmer-Tweed signing the lease for the unit (Image: Jo Palmer-Tweed) Work can now officially begin to transform the site into a vibrant drag and LGBTQ+ venue.

Jo said: “We're thrilled to announce that Dragonfly Lounge has officially been granted planning permission and is now a licensed premises.

“This exciting milestone means we’re one step closer to bringing our vision to life and creating a glamorous, vibrant venue for all to enjoy.

​“Our build phase is set to begin next week, and we can’t wait to see The Dragonfly Lounge take shape as a fantastic space where customers will experience unforgettable nights out.”

Exciting - Dan Deller-Thompson as drag queen Tracey PaperExciting - Dan Deller-Thompson as drag queen Tracey Paper (Image: The Dragonfly Lounge) It will host activities such as drag afternoon teas, cabaret shows, artist residencies, club nights, bingo, quizzes, parties, and a space for groups to host events in the daytime.

The pair are also planning to create a special room inside the venue where neurodiverse customers can watch the shows from.

A GoFundMe Page with a £5,000 target which will help the bosses create the room and purchase extra additions for the venue is still underway.

Jo said: “We’re still running our GoFundMe campaign to help bring Dragonfly Lounge to its full potential, and we’re only £3.5k away from our target.

Area - Foundation House in Long Wyre StreetArea - Foundation House in Long Wyre Street (Image: Newsquest)

“We would be incredibly grateful for any support from our community to help bring this project to life.

“Every contribution makes a difference, and we can't wait to celebrate with all of you when we open our doors.”

The venue is hoping to open in March next year.

To find out more, visit facebook.com/dragonflyloungedrag.