SOUTHEND’S newest nightclub will open next weekend with a performance from a 1990s boyband, following a £400,000 revamp.

Popworld, in Warrior Square, will officially open for the first time on Friday, March 3, after the transformation of former venue Rhythm Room.

Bosses have confirmed that boy band Five will be performing on Saturday night as part of the opening weekend.

Popworld is a growing chain of nightclubs specialising in “cheesy pop music”, with sites up and down the country including one in Chelmsford.

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Dick De Vigne, who previously ran the Dick De Vigne’s club on the site, said: “I think it will be quite popular and it is for a good age group too.

“I’ve seen the one in Chelmsford and it’s great - the city does need some new blood like this. We’ve not had anything like this in Southend for a while and I think it will be excellent.

Echo:

“The industry has become very hard and changed a lot but this has every chance to succeed.”

The site was once a Chicago Rock Cafe, before it was transformed into Seymours under the ownership of Dick De Vigne.

Some years later he introduced another change of identity, to the Dick De Vignes nightclub, which became a staple of the city’s nightlife for 17 years.

And in September 2021 it became the Rhythm Room.

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Carole Mulroney, councillor responsible for culture, said: “It’s good for business and the nighttime economy which is very important to Southend.

“It’s good to see the building being put into use again, and it will also bring employment and other trade too.

“The chain is well known and sees Southend as a good option.”

A spokesman for Popworld said: “We are excited to announce that the Popworld party is coming to Southend following a staggering £400,000 investment. The launch weekend will be on March 3 and everyone is invited.

“This is a significant investment in Southend, offering a popular addition to the town’s nightlife. Keep your eyes peeled for updates and be sure to follow our news on social media.”