Exclusive: Long closed Croydon nightspot on brink of reopening
EXCLUSIVE
by Ross Lidbetter
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COMING BACK TO LIFE: The nightspot has been closed for four years
ross.lidbetter@essnmedia.co.uk
After four years of lying empty there is hope that a popular Croydon nightspot is close to springing back into life.
The Croydon Advertiser understands a planning application for the former Bar One92One site is set to be submitted.
It is hoped that a new nightclub, called Sugarland, will open at the Croydon High Street venue.
Although very few details are known at this stage, it is understood the bar would sell cheesecakes and puddings on one floor with a nightclub on the other.
Bar One92One, which was formerly known as Joe Bananas, has been shut since 2006 and has an estimated capacity of around 850.
Croydon clubbers have welcomed news that one of the most well-known nightspots in the town centre could finally reopen.
James Dettmar, 28, from Addiscombe, said: "I'm liking the sound of being able to buy a slice of cheesecake and a vodka Red Bull in the same place, - that's what I call convenience.
"It's good that somewhere new could be opening in the town centre. It will add a bit more variety to the clubbing scene.
"Bar One92One has been shut for so long I can't remember what it looks like inside."
Dean Still, 29, from Thornton Heath, agrees that it is "about time" something new opened on the site.
He said: "At Bar One92One the lighting was quite dark downstairs and to the left was seating and to the right was the dance floor.
"It was such a long time ago that it shut."
Almost half the nightspots that were open in Croydon in 2004 have closed.
High-profile names like The Blue Orchid, Pals and Walkabout have all shut down.
Others like Pop World and Manhattan opened and closed in the blink of an eye.
The most common reason for most of them shutting is that they simply weren't making enough money.
Around five years ago the capacities of all Croydon's clubs added up to around 18,050, while the figure now is around the 10,000 mark.
Mr Still added: "All that has been happening over the past few years is nightclubs shutting.
"So it should be good having a new name in town."
The most recent nightspot to open in the town centre was the Vintage bar, in Surrey Street, in March 2008.
Further out of town the Scream Lounge, in South End, South Croydon, replaced the troubled E Bar last September.
10 Comments
by Rhys Enpee, croydon
Friday, March 19 2010, 3:26PM
“I think this a great idea. It's about time that croydon had something fresh, ya get me?!
One92One was a great club!
Any town these days has trouble and its not due to clubbing. I have seen "men" of all ages drinking too much and causing problems. So please don't try and blame it on young culture.
The problem with you guys is your too narrow minded! Were you born "old"? I think not, think back to your childhood days and thin about what you used to do!!
Anyway, i have said my piece and look forward to the re-opening of this once successful establishment.
Thanks,
Rhys Enpee”
by Mr.Angry, The Estate
Tuesday, March 16 2010, 12:46PM
“The very fact that nightclubs were shutting was good news far too many of them and 'tooled up' gangs (know the bouncers) coming in from dodgy areas trying to take over the joint.Any one remember what happened at Colonades?”
by G. McKenzie, Croydon
Monday, March 15 2010, 8:08PM
“Great comment Enoch! It only took seven of them for your small minded thoughts to come of the woodwork'. If I were to take a well educated guess, I would say that you are not and I'm probably right too. I think you should keep any further comments of that nature to yourself, or better still I'm sure the BNP would be more than pleased to hear from you. But then, they probably all ready have..”
by Mr.Angry, The Estate
Monday, March 15 2010, 10:57AM
“No no.”
by Steve, Croydon
Monday, March 15 2010, 7:05AM
“We don't need any more identikit clubs, all playing the same music and all with stupid dress codes. What we need is more proper pubs, places like the Green Dragon or the Ship.”
by silver surfer, shirley park
Saturday, March 13 2010, 7:56PM
“These clubs are what make croydon town centre a dangerous place. Should be a great area for families to frequent in the evening rather than a no go zone”
by Mcfadden, Croydon
Saturday, March 13 2010, 7:09PM
“Every new bar and clubs downfall is when they have too many 18 - 21 year olds.
Yes you will make more money in the sort term with younger crowds but in the long term your soon be closed down because your 16/17 year olds will sneak in and your always get alot more trouble with under 21 drunks.
Even better make it over 25's like Tiger Tiger used to when it was a better night out.
If it lets in the right crowds it might last. If not it will be gone in a year...”
by Peter, Wallington
Saturday, March 13 2010, 8:50AM
“Not somewhere I'll frequent.
I used to like The Cartoon when it was a bikers pub. Self policiing and you could turn up in a suit and not feel intimidated.
I think it's a good idea.”
by misterkipling, Croydon
Saturday, March 13 2010, 8:22AM
“Well I for one think this place re-opening is a good thing.
Croydon is a rapidly expanding town and as it grows the ratio of people against venues for the locals to stab eachother seems to reduce. It'll be nice to have a fresh intake of organ donors again in central Croydon.”
by Enoch, Croydon
Saturday, March 13 2010, 7:32AM
“Wonderful, another place for all the Yardies to come into Croydon and take over with thier little white hangers-on running about in next to nothing at their beck and call.”