A FORMER Wantage cinema is finally set to open its doors as a nightclub.

Shush will open for business on Saturday, April 23, in the old Regent Cinema in Newbury Street.

The cinema, which closed in 2005 and has been empty since, has been transformed into a 6,000 sq ft late-night venue with three bars, a stage and a dance floor for 200 people.

Brothers-in-law Gary Howe and Steve Head, of family firm H&H Entertainment, say they have invested hundreds of thousands into the venture.

And they are keen to counter concerns from some residents who objected to the Vale of White Horse District Council, which gave planning permission and a late-night drinking licence last year.

The residents said they feared noise and late-night drunkenness.

Mr Howe said the project had gone well over budget.

He said: “It has been a huge challenge to achieve what we have done.

“We have put blood, sweat and tears into it.

“People will be completely blown away by the transformation and the venue we have created.

“A lot of money has been spent to make sure it is going to be a special venue putting on quite a range of entertainment.”

He added: “We believe in it as a business and as a principle.

“The feedback we have had has been absolutely fantastic. As soon as you talk about arts, music and theatre people all want to get involved.”

The venue is licensed for 600 people and can serve alcohol up until 2am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Mr Head said: “We have been speaking with people of all different ages because we aim to provide whatever people are looking for.

“It is not just a nightclub, it is a theatre and a concert venue.”

Saturday nights at the venue will be a club event, but other attractions will include cabaret nights, boxing events, comedy shows and live music.

Mr Head said: “We have achieved planning on a redundant building and it is now available for the community again.”

He said it would be a “safer venue” for revellers and was geared towards a “more sensible age group”, with managers working closely with the council and police.