EXCLUSIVE

by Ross Lidbetter

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.