A new nightspot catering for 1,000 people is set to open later this year in the centre of Southend, it was revealed today.

The Piazza, expected to employ between 50 and 60 staff, was granted a provisional licence yesterday.

Two bars will be included in the venue with ground and mezzanine floors, to take up the rear of the former Keddies department store in Chichester Road.

The building has been empty and boarded up since the business closed in February 1996.

Published Tuesday, March 5, 2002