AMBITIOUS plans to transform a vacant nightclub into a pub, restaurant, and homes have been scrapped - sparking calls for an evening venue to open instead. 

London-based firm City Centre Management submitted plans in June 2022 to transform the former The Venue Bar, on Alexandra Street, after it closed in 2020. 

The site previously operated as Elements nightclub from 2009 to 2015, and Baker’s Bar before that.

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However, these ambitious plans have since been withdrawn by the applicant, leaving the building still standing vacant. 

Following the “disappointing” news, calls are beginning to mount to make sure “nightlife is kept at the centre” of the site due to its reputation and the memories it holds.

Councillor Matt Dent said: “It is definitely disappointing as we want to see businesses thriving and innovating in Southend.

“But I am sure there will be something new community forward, and hopefully it will have the innovation to succeed where this one has fallen down.

“It is frustrating that it is sitting there empty, but it is a testament to the national economic picture as businesses are struggling everywhere.

“You really have to hit the right idea, and the right execution at the right time, it is not the best environment at the moment, but we hope it will improve.”

He added: “This area almost feels a bit nostalgic - a part of the city which has a reputation for being part of the nightlife.

“I think ultimately, that is something we still want to see in Southend.

“Keep that nightlife and keep that nostalgia there, as there is a lot of people with a lot of memories there and I think that is something that could and should be built on.”

Lesley Taylor, a 59-year-old from Southend, has many memories of nights at Baker’s Bar.

She added: “A nightclub could work there as it just needs some life injected into that end of the high street.

“The only nightclub we have really is MooMoo’s so another one would be great for the area.

“It is disappointing to hear the other plans withdrawn as I think a new restaurant and bar is also what is needed and could have worked.

“The high street just needs a boost now we are a city, as there are too many empty shops like this one, which makes the high street look tacky.”