A FORMER Kendal nightclub is set to re-open, more than eight months after its shock closure.

Studio-Loft will be resurrected by Lakeland Radio presenter and local DJ Andrew Milliard (aka DJ Milli) and could be open in six to eight weeks.

He aims to create a ‘festival club’ with something different on each of the four floors.

“I wanted to reopen it as I’m passionate about the town and I’ve noticed that it’s struggling – pubs and taxis are struggling and young people are leaving.

“I’m trying to put some energy back into the town and hopefully it will start thriving again.”

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Mr Milliard, who also runs Smokies bar and Cafe Sola, both in Kendal, said the first licensing application had been submitted to South Lakeland District Council.

He is working closely with the police ‘to make sure we get it right for the town and avoid having problems outside’.

Plans for the venue include an eating spot and cocktail bar on the ground floor, a room for live acoustic music and one for ‘cheesy chart music’ on the first floor.

The second floor is set to be the main nightclub area with a band earlier in the evening followed by DJs playing club music, while the top floor will house several pool tables.

Plans are to open the venue on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday – with opening hours until 3am on Friday and Saturday.

But the top and bottom floors could be opened throughout the week.

Mr Milliard employs 15 staff at his other two venues and was now looking to take on another 25 – both full and part-time.

Studio-Loft, on Kent Street, closed in November and parent company Vimac Leisure had been looking for a buyer.

At the time of its closure it was Kendal’s only nightclub and the news led to shock from locals saying it would damage the town’s night-time economy.