THE owner of Kelly’s nightclub in Portrush has confirmed the popular venue will close after 25 years due to the impact of Covid-19.
Peter Wilson said the nightclub business model is no longer sustainable in its current format.
It comes less than five months after the Coach Nightclub in Banbridge announced its permanent closure.
The north coast complex will instead invest in a revamped leisure tourism and entertainment offering in the resort town.
Kelly’s will also retain its well-known nightclub Lush brand as a travelling events company.
Mr Wilson said some of the plans had been on the drawing board for a few years.
“What lockdown has done, has sped up these plans and forced us to re-evaluate the Kellys brand in order to secure our future,” he said.
Lush opened as a nightclub in 1996, hosting some of the world's biggest DJs and dance acts.
“We have always been proud of our well-known Lush brand, however, the changing times have brought about new trends," said Mr Wilson.
“The nightclub business model simply isn’t sustainable in its current format. The market has changed, demand is still there, but not as we knew it.”
The hospitality boss said the company sees the future of the club scene moving to large scale events, citing the success of the ‘Cream’ business model.
He said a Lush event in the SSE Arena planned for October with the Ulster Orchestra and DJ Roger Sanchez had already sold almost 10,000 tickets.
The company has yet to confirm its plans for the existing Portrush nightclub venue, but said it is transitioning to a new era in leisure tourism and entertainment.
“The area formally occupied by the club is set to be further developed, with exciting plans for the site currently being kept under wraps until a later date,” said Mr Wilson.
"We are weeks away from completing what will be a world-class, purpose built outdoor, entertainment space, which will also act as a community hub, providing something brand new for all ages.
“We will also soon be unveiling our further investment and summer entertainment plans which will see us unveil both daytime and evening events.”
Mr Wilson added: “Kelly’s has been central to the north coast’s success as an entertainment and leisure destination for over 50 years. We have always been pioneers in innovative developments and are confident our investment plans will deliver a much-needed boom to the entire local economy, securing our long-term future as a family-run business.”
