A MAJOR nightclub in Colchester city centre has been saved from closure after a buyer swept in to take on the iconic venue.

Rekom UK, the owners of Atik, in High Street, announced the huge club would be closing its doors earlier this year.

A last-minute U-turn by bosses saw the venue remain open while discussions over its future continued.

But now, three months after the announcement of the closure, a new owner has received the keys to the club after the sale of the business was completed yesterday, and the company has big plans.

Echo: Goodbye - Atik has closed with immediate effect while its new owners take on a huge refitGoodbye - Atik has closed with immediate effect while its new owners take on a huge refit (Image: Google)

Epic Bars and Clubs will be investing more than £600,000 into redesigning and refurbishing the long-standing nightclub while preserving the beautiful features of the iconic building.

Atik has closed with immediate effect while the project takes place before it re-opens under a new brand in October, in time for Halloween.

The growing nightlife chain already has 15 sites across the UK, including the Trilogy, Labyrinth, and Botanic brands, and prides itself on offering world-class entertainment in high-quality environments.

Its chief executive Mark Shorting said: “We are thrilled to be bringing our brand of magic to Colchester. This has been months in the making and I am extremely excited to now be able to confirm it.

“We really have got something extraordinary planned and I can’t wait for everyone to see it. Not only are big nights out in Colchester coming back but we will make them undeniably better than ever.”

No jobs will be lost as part of the takeover and the new owners will create an extra 30 jobs in the city centre.

Echo: Councillor - Sam McLeanCouncillor - Sam McLean (Image: Public)

Colchester councillor and Labour's local economy spokesman Sam McLean said: “This is fantastic news for our local economy in our young city.

“The nightclub provides Colchester with a valuable social hub, where we can meet and enjoy socialising with friends and strangers, connected through a mutual enjoyment of music, dance, and partying."

The takeover will come as welcome news to other nighttime business owners in the city who were concerned Atik's closure could have a knock-on effect on other venues.