The Hippodrome nightclub in Colchester will be serving its last drink next month.

After years as one of the High Street's best-known landmarks, the huge pink sign is being pulled down.

The nightclub changed hands last year and new owner Steve Peri has decided to scrap the historic name as part of a total facelift for the popular venue.

The new name will be Zeus 2000. Hundreds of thousands of pounds are being poured into a total refit of the venue, and it will be closed to the public for four weeks while the work is carried out.

Mr Peri said: "The Hippodrome name has gone to its grave. The whole place needs an image change."

He added: "It will be a complete new look for the millennium. We're changing all the decoration, putting in podiums, a new DJ console and a VIP bar for starters."

A new laser system alone for the club will run up a bill of £55,000. The venue is shutting on April 10 for the builders and decorators to move in, and the new look will be revealed to curious clubbers at a celebrity-packed re-opening.

Mr Peri bought the Hippodrome after creating the popular Zeus nightclub in Rainsford Road, Chelmsford.

He has now handed over the reins of that club to a new manager and has moved on to Colchester venue.

"The town needs a good club, and I want to create something that will take us well into the next millennium," said Mr Peri.

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