AN EXTRA £1.5million has been invested in creating a second floor at a bowling alley on the site of a former nightclub. 

Last year, more than £1million was invested to transform the former Talk Nightclub, on Lucy Road, into Kingpins Bowl, opening on the first floor of the venue in May. 

Now, the owners have invested the extra crash to create a second floor branded "Kingpins Level 2" which has an "over-18" vibe and 12 screens showing live sport. 

Echo: Strike! – The bowling alley on the first floor of Kingpins has been open for just under a yearStrike! – The bowling alley on the first floor of Kingpins has been open for just under a year (Image: Newsquest)

The second level officially opens on Friday night alongside a terrace area offering an unrivalled view of the seafront. 

Nick Singer, the operations director at Kingpins Southend, has overseen the overhaul of the venue since Talk Nightclub closed its doors for the last time on New Year's Eve 2019.

He said: "After investing £1 million into the former Talk Nightclub and launching Kingpins Bowl last May, we have invested a further £1.5 million to bring you a whole new level.

"We wanted to enhance the city status and create an incredible entertainment centre for outside tourism for our local residents to thoroughly enjoy."

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With Kingpins having officially opened last year, Mr Singer added he was keen to see the venue take its next step forward and increase both its capacity and range of facilities.

"We are thrilled to be able to make this investment, along with enhancing the experience for all to enjoy at Kingpins.

"We have naturally only been open ten months and we have been able to take this business to another level.

"We have just an amazing offer here within Southend City and we are proud to be able to continue investing along our wonderful seafront."

Echo: Impressive – the Kingpins venue is expanding its operations as it becomes one of the main locations for Southend's nightlifeImpressive – the Kingpins venue is expanding its operations as it becomes one of the main locations for Southend's nightlife (Image: Newsquest)

The ground floor of the building currently houses Electric Avenue, a games arcade.

The Madri Terrace area, which will allow revellers a view of Southend seafront, tops off what Kingpins has to offer, Mr Singer said.

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"We also have something special that not many others within the city can offer.

"Where better to enjoy the view of Southend seafront than on our brand new Madri Terrace area, which will be available all year round."

The venue will be open from 5pm.