One of Norwich's most iconic nightclubs has closed its doors to punters for the final time before undergoing a million-pound makeover.

Mercy nightclub on Prince of Wales Road will be transformed into four units – two clubs, a cafe/bar and a VIP area.

Clubbers were not informed of the decision to close the venue when it was last open on Sunday night.

Plans for the new complex include a cafe/bar, to be called Cafe de Peri, a VIP lounge, which will be called Taboo, and two clubs – one for over-18s and one for over-25s. One of the clubs will be called Unique.

Operations manager Toby Middleton said: 'Norwich needs more entertainment. We are aiming to achieve a great standard.

'The good thing about this project is that we will be able to open all four units together – four venues in one building will be mind-blowing. You will be able to walk between different areas.'

Mr Middleton also said the new venues will be more geared up for live music.

The cafe/bar and VIP areas will be open seven days a week and the nightclubs will be open at least four days a week.

It is not known when the new venues will be open.

'I would like to achieve it in three months, but I know it will go over. Anything over and it will be more of a better job,' added Mr Middleton.

'Before people even walk into the building I want people to say 'wow' and have goosebumps. I want them to be excited. People travel to Norwich for parties and hen and stag weekends and we want to be able to give them the entertainment they deserve.

'We have had a really good run. We are proud of Mercy. It did Norwich and Norfolk well for a long time.'

Mr Middleton said the new venues would also include some 'crazy features', one of which will cost �100,000.

'Our other businesses are very good and we are able to give most of our employees jobs in other venues.

'The decision to close was last-minute. It is all about picking the right time to do it. We want to be able to make sure we can reopen in time for the busiest time of the year.

'We will be able to cater for everyone and what is important is to have the over-25s venue.'

Mercy could hold 2,300 people and managers hope the new venue will be able to accommodate 3,000.

The club is owned by Steve Peri, who also owns Rocco's, Pulse and Lace, also on Prince of Wales Road.

To find out what is going on in Norwich, don't miss Going Out, free with the Evening News on Fridays.

Do you know a well-known business which is closing? Contact Lucy Wright on 01603 772495 or email lucy.wright@archant.co.uk.