A NIGHTCLUB in the centre of Southend is set to close tomorrow to undergo a major transformation and rebrand into a Popworld.

Rhythm Room, in Warrior Square, will close on Sunday for just more than a month so it can undergo a refurbishment before it reopens in early March as a Popworld.

Popworld is a growing chain of clubs, with sites up and down the country including one in Chelmsford.

It describes itself as a late night bar “with a difference” boasting bright colours, sweet cocktails, light-up dancefloors and back-to-back "cheesy" pop tunes from the 90s and noughties.

Rhythm Room replaced the old Dick De Vignes nightclub, a longstanding venue in the city centre that ran for roughly 17 years.

Mr De Vigne told the Echo after the rebrand was announced: “I think it’s a good use and move for the business. It’s good to have all the entertainment in one place in Southend.

“This gives some variation for customers. Southend is a hard place now for business and we’ve seen lots of change.

“I still think it’s good to have the entertainment in one place with Club MooMoos opposite and I think it will work well.”

Rhythm Room posted on Facebook: “Join us for our closing weekend of January 27 and 28 as we get ready for a substantial refurbishment.

“We hope you’re ready for Southend nightlife to Pop off. Watch this space.”

A spokesman for Rhythm Room later said: “We are excited to announce that the Popworld party is coming to Southend.

“Rhythm Room will be closing for a few weeks, while it undergoes a transformation.

“The venue will be reopening as the iconic Popworld in early March, keep your eyes peeled for updates and be sure to follow our news on social media.”