Business leaders have welcomed news that a new Norwich nightclub will create 75 jobs in the city.

Project nightclub is due to open late next month on the site of the former Lava/Ignite club in the Riverside complex.

It follows the reopening before Christmas of the neighbouring Hollywood Bowl, both of which had been closed for several years.

Jon Jackson, general manager of Project, said the club would open with a grand VIP night that will include several surprise guest appearances.

He said: 'Project is looking to recruit for a mixture of full and part-time roles with 75 new jobs being created.

'Details of vacancies can be found at www.projectnightclub.co.uk.'

The news was welcomed by Caroline Williams, chief executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, pictured.

She said: 'This is good news for Norwich as the creation of new jobs will be key to the economic development of the city. At a time when the service industry is finding it challenging, this shows a positive commitment to Norwich.'

Julian Foster of the Central Norwich Citizens' Forum (CNCF), has previously called for the reopening of the venue.

He said: I'm delighted. I would welcome the reopening of that venue, as it's needed.

'Former patrons of the club are looking forward to seeing what the new venue will look like, and the creation of new jobs is more than welcome.'

The nightclub was expected to open before Christmas but the date was put back.

It will have two main rooms, VIP area, chill-out bar, purpose-built stage for live entertainment, state-of-the-art sound, lighting and karaoke systems.

As reported, Lava/Ignite and Hollywood Bowl originally closed due to structural problems in 2007. In May 2009 X-Leisure, the site landlord, launched a �20m lawsuit against contractors claiming a breach of contract, saying the beams beneath the nightclub were flawed.

However, an out-of-court legal settlement resolved the dispute, and a legal deal was struck to enable both the nightclub and bowling alley to be refurbished.

The Riverside complex, which also includes the Odeon cinema and Wetherspoon's Queen of Iceni pub, has been hit hard by the absence of the two flagship venues.

Are you opening a new club or bar in Norwich? Call reporter David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk.