Shrewsbury nightclub Onyx and Blu opens doors

Clubbers turned out in force for the glittering launch party for a new nightspot in Shropshire.

Onyx and Blu officially opened last night at the site of the former Liquid and Diva nightclub in Raven Meadows, Shrewsbury.

The building has reopened following a £250,000 makeover and the new club has created about 50 jobs.

Earlier this month it was revealed Efektiv Leisure Ltd had bought the lease for the nightclub and have given it a new colour scheme, carpets, lighting rigs and projections.

The new club has two rooms, six bars and a VIP area.

The VIP launch party took place last night with doors opening at 9pm.

Paul Cowen, general manager, said it was planned to open the club from 10pm to 3am on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Mr Cowen, who originates from Stafford but now lives in Shrewsbury, said contractors had been working round the clock, seven days a week to ensure the venue was ready in time.

He said bosses had been working closely with West Mercia Police, the local authorities and its own security providers to ensure that it delivers a "safe and friendly" night out. Efektiv, based in Luton, bought the lease from previous owners Luminar Leisure and signed a new agreement with the building's owners, the UK Commercial Property Trust, managed by Ignis Asset Management.