A NIGHTCLUB owner is hoping his plans to open a new venue on Teesside will go ahead despite having his application for a public entertainment licence refused.

Barry Faulkner is to appeal against the decision made by Middlesbrough Council's licensing committee on Monday not to allow him to convert the Cleveland Scientific Institute in Corporation Road into a nightspot.

If he is successful he will call the former church Sa Capella after his favourite restaurant in Ibiza, which has been converted from a monastery.

Mr Faulkner said he has spent £500,000 buying the property and will spend the same amount on renovations.

If he is given permission he plans to close the Empire, which he owns, and concentrate on the new club, giving Middlesbrough Council the chance to buy the former theatre from him.

The council wants to see the Empire converted back to its original use but Mr Faulkner said the decision on Monday may have scuppered that idea.

He said: "One hand doesn't seem to know what the other hand is doing so I can see me having the two venues running side by side in Middlesbrough.

"Sa Capella will be a funky little laid-back bar if it doesn't take off but I would prefer it as a club with a more intimate atmosphere and more varied acts. We will work with the police and the residents to allay the fears they have raised with regard to noise and anti-social behaviour resulting from the club."

Middlesbrough Council is working with the Middlesbrough Town Centre Company to examine possible uses for the Empire should it become available, but has not made a formal offer.

A spokesman added: "The Mayor remains committed to creating a dynamic cultural quarter in central Middlesbrough, with the Empire as a key part of that vision."