Nightclub owner takes control of a national chain (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Nightclub owner takes control of a national chain

A CIRENCESTER nightclub owner is spearheading an empire of late night venues after taking control of a national chain.

And the first job for Biagio Vitale, who runs the town's Rock Club, will be to re-open leading Swindon club Mission under a new name and identity.

Mr Vitale has become a partner in Entertainment and Leisure Services (Swindon), which already owns a number of venues throughout the UK.

His new role, as operations director, means he will be responsible for the revamp and everyday running of clubs in Torquay, Chester and Swindon, as well as The Rock.

The first venue to undergo a facelift is the former Mission club in Old Town, Swindon, which re-opens on April 8, under the new name Studio.

Mr Vitale, said: "I was invited to come in and I said one of the conditions was that I be allowed to run things the way I think they should be run.

"A lot of money is being spent on Studio for a start. Mission had become quite rundown and we've completely changed things.

"The new unit will form the corporate identity of the company, which will be carried on to our venue in Chester and will continue with other future acquisitions."

Some £300,000 has been ploughed into the new Studio and a further £300,000 is being spent on adjacent outbuildings, which will be turned into a feeder bar/brasserie for the club.

Unlike Mission, the new club will have a VIP lounge and a jazz room, as well as a new dance floor and new sound and light systems.

The bar/brasserie, which it is hoped will open in June, will serve food all day and will have a first floor champagne bar.

Mr Vitale said: "The licensing laws are changing very rapidly and we need to change with them. It is a challenge that I am looking forward to."