POPULAR Bolton nightclub J2 is to close its doors for the last time ahead of a £700,000 transformation.

The Nelson Square venue is holding its closing night tomorrow and bosses hope new venture Level will be open by September.

Club promoter Sam Zegrour, director of Liverpool-based student events company Cool It Management, took over the nightclub in May.

Bury-born Mr Zegrour set up his own events company aged 21 and one of his first jobs was running Friday nights at J2, so he stayed in touch with the club’s owners over the years.

The 30-year-old, who still lives in Bury, said the refurbishment will be “much more than just a lick of paint”.

“We can’t put an official timeline on when Level will open until we start the works, but we are hoping it will be September.

“We have looked at customer feedback and we want to take the good aspects of J2 and make them better, but also address the issues people have.

“The place has served the town really well for a very long time but it is time for a refresh and a new approach.

“We want to create something which will enhance the town, to get more people back into the town. I just hope I deliver something Bolton will enjoy.”

Mr Zegrour said the revamp includes “significant enhancements to the club’s aesthetics” such as a new entrance area, state-of-the-art lighting features and one yet-to-be-revealed “big surprise”.

Drink prices at Level will be cheaper, there will be “more transparency” around door charges and, while the music policies in each room will be similar, there will be more DJs booked to perform.

Mr Zegrour said: “Every room will be noticeably different – not many of the current bars are staying where they are now.

“There will be one big surprise with regard to how the place will look, which is something we think will really enhance the clubbing experience.”

J2’s previous owner took on one level of the building, which became Bar Juice but had previously been a dance studio, in 1999.

Ten years ago he took over the rest of the building and the venue became the nightclub J2.

The Attic, which was formally called Smooth and was originally a Conservative club, became part of the expanded nightclub in 2007.

Mr Zegrour said new club Level will encompass both J2 and The Attic.

In a post on Facebook, organisers of Saturday’s closing party said: “The last 10 plus years have seen a lot of change. 

"One thing which has stood the test of time, however, is J2. 

"Most people in Bolton have a funny story to tell about an epic night in J2, and the nightclub is a huge part of Bolton’s nightlife scene.

“I wonder how many marriages we are responsible for? We hope not too many divorces.”

For more, go to levelbolton.com or facebook.com/levelbolton

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