THE new owners of a nightclub that closed after a soldier was killed by an underage drinker have vowed to put its controversial past behind them.

The finishing touches are almost complete at The Hub, formerly known as Escapades, in Darlington, which is scheduled to open on May 26.

The club was taken over last year by business partners Ashley Wem and Barry Faulkner, who have 20 years’ experience running The Empire, in Middlesbrough, which they bought five years ago.

After a full refurbishment, The Hub, in Gladstone Street, has been turned into a multiroom venue capable of offering live music, comedy nights and club nights.

Sunderland band The Futureheads will be the first to headline the main stage, on June 8, as The Hub aims to emulate The Empire’s record of attracting artists including Tinie Tempah, Ellie Goulding and Wretch 32.

The nightclub closed at the start of last year, after a soldier from Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, was killed by a single blow during an altercation in the venue.

Mr Wem said he and Mr Faulkner have a good reputation in the industry and said The Hub would be safe for all customers.

Mr Wem, 42, said: “Darlington is somewhere we have been interested in for a while.

“It’s a great town and we thought there was a market for a proper entertainment venue. It’s a multi-purpose venue, which is where we got the name The Hub.

“There is not really anything else in Darlington that can offer what we are planning.”

The club was granted a licence by Darlington Borough Council after councillors praised Mr Wem for the stringent licence measures he proposed to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour at the venue.

Mr Wem said: “There will be 50 security cameras covering every part of the club. It will be safe for every customer who comes in, with a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs and violence.”