A TOWN centre nightclub that has struggled to survive in recent years is set to reopen on Friday, with a new name, for the second time in 12 months.

The Box, as it is to be known, will open in the Fleet Street venue that over the years has been home to Pop, Sin and Reflex.

The new club will initially be open on Friday and Saturday nights offering a mix of house and trance DJ sets but there are plans to look at opening on Thursday nights too in the future.

Their target market will be the over 21s who have moved away from the bottom end of town in favour of Old Town in recent years.

The man behind the new venture, Henrique Bernardo, is optimistic but realistic about the challenge ahead.

“It will be hard work, especially down at this end of town,” he said.

“We want to offer something different for Swindon, a welcoming and fun environment but a real party venue too.

“We are in talks with some big name DJs, we’ve got plans for some podiums and some dancing girls, there will be a VIP section as well – like an Ibiza style night.”

Henrique has worked in bars and clubs for over ten years and was involved with Bushwackers and Sin when they were based at the same venue.

He added: “We had people queueing round the block in those days, I think we can have the same sort of success again.

“We’ll be open to everyone, as long as you look smart and act smart you’ll be welcome here.”

With the launch night scheduled for this Friday, May 27, the team face a race against time to finish with builders still painting, fitting lighting and putting down flooring.

The Adver also understands that there are still some details to be finalised before a licence for the venue can be granted by Swindon Borough Council.

Henrique has also taken over the lease for the downstairs venue, previously Bushwackers and before that, O’Neils.

There are no plans to reopen it in the immediate future but once The Box is up and running he hopes to turn it into a pub serving locally sourced, home cooked food.