Club promoter Dick De Vigne is fronting plans for a new nightclub in the Keddies building.

It is exciting times ahead for Southend, he believes.

Mr De Vigne, who runs Storm, in Elmer Approach, Southend, hopes the venue will be open by Christmas.

He said: "This will be the first venue in years to open on a new site. It will have its own identity and its own new clientele - there will be no skeletons lurking in the cupboard.

"Although the club doesn't have a name yet, it is now full steam ahead with a completion date for Christmas."

It is understood the venue will have its own entrance and will trade separately from the casino and the bar/restaurant. Mr De Vigne will jointly operate the club with promoter Jason Smith.

The scheme being is backed by Richard Shay, of Billericay-based company Shay Properties.

Clubs nights will be held on three to four evenings a week. Mr De Vigne added: "The music will be a range of commercial dance and should appeal to revellers aged 20-plus.

"Because it will be in the basement, we will be installing special fire exits so people will be able to leave the premises quickly in case of an emergency.

Published Tuesday, April 8, 2003

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