AN established nightclub chain is coming to Darwen and should be open in time for Christmas.

The former Roxy nightclub in Market Street will reopen as a Level One, which already has two clubs in Accrington and Burnley.

Owner Leon Kelly has struck a deal with owner Reg Gorton and said a licence application was submitted yesterday.

If successful, Mr Kelly said he hoped to open his club in the town in the second weekend of December, with an initial planned opening date of December 6 looking impossible.

Mr Kelly said: “We have to wait for the licence to come back, which takes 28 working days.

“We will be open from midnight until 6am and I am looking to bring some big-name artistes to the town. The club has established itself in Burnley and I want to turn Level One into a recognised brand, giving people in Darwen a destination.”

Mr Kelly, who attended Darwen Moorland High School, said the building would be painted outside and refurbished inside as part of the takeover.

As with the other Level One nightclubs, it will be completely glass free.

He said: “This is a good time for Darwen because there is a new Wetherspoon coming and there seems a bit of a resurgence in the town.

“We want to appeal to everyone and not just alienate anyone over the age of 25. It won’t just be house music because that isn’t to everyone’s taste.

“Roxy had a good name and has had its time but now it is time for something new.”

Sunnyhurst councillor Dave Smith said he welcomed the arrival of the new club.

He said: “The building is empty at the moment so anything that brings activities to the town is good news.

“Darwen is a really good night now and this will add to the town’s vibrant nightlife.”