Nightclub to change ownership after three decades

One of a town's biggest and busiest nightclubs says new owners will take over the venue after 33 years.

The Middlesbrough Empire has hosted acts including Pete Tong, the Arctic Monkeys and James Arthur, but it announced the venue would close in its current form on 17 November.

Outgoing general manager and director Jordan Jefferson said it would undergo refurbishment and reopen as a "venue of some sort" but he did not know much more.

In a statement, the club thanked its patrons for "the years of support, the unforgettable nights, the laughter, the dancing and the memories that will stay with us long after the lights go out".

The club said its events after 17 November would no longer take place at the Empire and would be relocated, including gigs by The Feeling and Kasabian.

It was recently confirmed Maximo Park would be playing at Middlesbrough Town Hall instead.

"We ask that you please keep an eye on your emails for further information and details of where your event will be taking place," a statement read.

The club's current owners, management team and all existing staff would not be involved in what comes next, it said.

Jefferson told BBC Radio Tees it was "definitely an emotional time all around".

He said the legendary venue would largely be remembered fondly.

"I think everybody's probably got a story to tell and I think everybody will be looking forward to sharing it on the last weekend," he said.

Over the years, The Empire has had its licence suspended over various security issues, including an alleged assault which saw a man "thrown to the ground" outside the venue.

Jefferson said it was over to the new owners to "reveal their plans and what they're going to do with it", but that it was not the end of the music scene in the town.

"Watch this space," he said. "They [the owners] are going to hand it over with a legacy behind them."

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