Southend's New Empire Theatre could be transformed into a Jumpin' Jaks nightspot, it has been confirmed.

Shay Properties, owner of the former cinema in Alexandra Street, is in talks with Luminar Leisure, the company behind a range of nightspots including Jumpin' Jaks.

Luminar already has two nightspots in Southend, Chicago Rock Cafe in Warrior Square, and Chameleon nightclub in Lucy Road.

Steve Dennis, a director of Luminar Leisure, said: "We are in negotiations with the owners of the New Empire and we are considering the theatre as a possible acquisition site."

He added: "Each of our brand nightspots such as Jumpin' Jaks, The, Orange House, Life Bar Cafe appeals to a different segment of the market.

"As we already have a Chicagos and Chameleon in the town we would not be looking to introduce any more of those or move them from where they are.

"However, we are certainly interested in Southend for one of the others as it is a great town for our brands and the New Empire is a premise that we are definately looking at."

Published Wednesday, March 20, 2002