A NIGHTCLUB has announced plans to diversify by opening a snooker and pool centre in part of the building.

Osman Rasih, owner of Silk Road, in St Botolph’s Street, Colchester, wants to convert the first floor into a pool hall.

It comes weeks after Rileys sports bar, in Long Wyre Street, Colchester, closed.

Mr Rasih said: “Rileys’ closure was the reason we went for it. We have the space upstairs which we have not used since we have been here for the past seven years.”

The bar hit the headlines for the wrong reasons two years ago when it was featured in Channel 4 documentary Bouncers. Essex Police last year tried to close the bar, saying its customers were causing disorder.

Silk Road was allowed to stay open, subject to a number of conditions.

Mr Rasih said: “The venue has come a long way since we had problems 18 months to two years ago and the clientele has changed.

“Maybe people want to come here and have a coffee and sit down and it is not always about alcohol.”

Mr Rasih hopes the pool hall will be open by October.

The first floor of the premises will include a lounge area, coffee bar and space for five or six pool tables.

Alcohol will still be served at the pool hall and a separate entrance will be created from Vineyard Street.

Opening times are under discussion, but it could open from 4pm, until the main club closes at 3am.

The club is open from Tuesday to Sunday.

A statement as part of the planning application to Colchester Council says: “The new use will provide additional jobs, initially two to three people and will provide a compatible town centre use, adding to the diversity of uses and contribute positively to the night time economy.”

Colchester Council aims to decide on the plans for change of use at Silk Road by September 18.

A spokesman for neighbouring Fashion Cafe, which also has a pool table, said there was no competition between the venues and he wished Silk Road good luck.