IT is hoped a new £2.5million superclub will put Chelmsford back on the clubbing map.

Excitement is building as the official launch night of Evoke, on Wednesday, July 4, approaches.

Formerly known as Chancellor Hall, the 1,100 capacity venue, built on the site of the Corn Exchange, in Market Road once played host to top acts such as Jimi Hendrix and the Clash.

It closed its doors in 2005 and has been empty since, but the iconic building is almost ready to draw in thousands of clubbers, comedy and live music fans.

Premier Leisure, which also runs the Bay Horse, in Moulsham Street, is behind the ambitious project, which has been in the pipeline for four years.

Richie Don, group marketing director, will also be one of Evoke’s resident DJs.

He said: “We are so excited about launching, all the hard work is coming to a point. Hopefully we can prove we have done our research in putting together a club people want.

“We are obviously nervous but quietly confident we have got it right.”

About 80 new jobs have been created at the venue, which will be open Wednesday to Saturday nights.

It will run student nights, alternately host comedy and live music every other Thursday, as well as club nights on Friday and Saturday.

The club will have three rooms – the Koudo Lounge, an ice bar and the main room, which features 3D LED lighting, co2 cannons and state-of-the-art sound.

Many were sad to see former nightspot, Dukes, close at the beginning of the year, but Evoke manager Nick Harmston and Premier Leisure chief executive Stephen Webb are keen to work with other licensed traders, as well as the police and Chelmsford City Council, to ensure Evoke can mirror or better its success.

Mr Don added: “Our first priority was to get the authorities on board. We’re not going to be doing ridiculously cheap drinks, we’ll have competitive drink prices but we’re trying to combat the binge drinking culture.

“Cheap alcohol will only ever cause problems.”

Advance tickets for the opening are available by visiting www.facebook.com/evokenightclub or for more information visit www.evokenightclub.com