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From the
https://www.kentonline.co.uk 14 August 2015.
Crush nightclub in Dartford to close on Saturday before reopening as Industry.
Music is set to fade at a town centre nightclub tomorrow, days after
figures revealed nearly half the nation’s clubs have shut in just 10
years.
Crush in Spital Street will close on Saturday after serving late-
night revellers for 10 years.
But time has not been called for a last dance at the nightspot – it
is due to reopen under the new name of Industry before the end of
the month.
The change comes in the week The Association of Licensed Multiple
Retailers, which represents venues, revealed the number of clubs has
decreased from 3,144 in 2005 to 1,733 this year, sparking fears the
closures will leave the UK worse off “culturally, socially and
economically”.
Clubbers will dance the night away at Crush one last time before it
reopens under a new name.
However, Crush owner Peter Edwards said his trade remained healthy
while others have struggled.
He decided to press ahead with a rebrand after joining forces with
new business partner Rhys Smith.
He said: “We have spoken about it for about four years but it was
only in the past six months we’ve decided to go ahead with a revamp.
“We thought it was about time the club had a makeover.
“Ten years is a long time so we felt the club needed a crisp, clean
look. We have spent a lot of money and virtually everything will be
changing. We hope to change the concept to be more female friendly
and open earlier as well.”
Industry is set to open in the same building on Saturday, August 29.
Speaking about the nightclub industry, Mr Edwards said it was no
shock clubs were shutting as they compete with late night pubs and
bars while revellers remain hit in the pocket as Britain slowly
emerges from recession.
Mr Edwards added: “The clubs with the big capacities must struggle
to fill them. There’s a lot of staff you need to employ and if
people are drinking in bars and pubs until 12.30am then they aren’t
spending enough time in there. But we have a good business – I can
see us being here another 10 years.”
Mr Edwards said recruitment was under way for part-time staff to
work at the club. |
