A DEFUNCT nightclub venue in Colchester is to go under the hammer with interest for the site already flying in.

The site, in St Helen’s Lane, in the Dutch Quarter, has been home to many clubs and businesses over the years.

It had operated as a nightclub since the 1950s, and was once Andromeda, one of the very few locations dedicated to soul music. 

It became the inspiration behind the song of the same name, “Andromeda”, by the virtual band Gorillaz, as Damon Albarn had very fond memories of his own time there. 

Gazette: History - the site in was once Club ValentinoHistory - the site in was once Club Valentino (Image: Google)

In the early 2000s it was Club Karma, which former bosses Kevin Holbrook and William Brydon took over in 2008.

The site became Club Valentino, opened in 2010 by Paul Jackson and Daniel Cox.

What became known as ‘Vallies’ had a laid-back, lounge-style feel and became Colchester’s only weekly gay club.

The site later became the Ice nightclub venue, which closed in 2015.

Gazette: Nightclub - the venue under its Ice brandingNightclub - the venue under its Ice branding (Image: Google)

It was even earmarked to become an entertainment venue just a few years ago, which would have offered gigs, comedy, burlesque and more.

However, the site has remained vacant for a number of years and is now set to be auctioned off by property consultants Dedman Gray.

Mike Gray, managing director of Dedman Gray, said they expect the final sale to “exceed” the guide price with interest in the site already high.

Gazette: Boss - Dedman Gray managing director Mike GrayBoss - Dedman Gray managing director Mike Gray (Image: N/A)

Speaking to the Gazette, Mr Gray said: “Enquiries have already started coming through as it seems to be a very well-known premises from the past and has caught the interest of different types of applicants.

“It is too early estimate what the future use may be, but premises could be let out for commercial use, or possibly somebody may step forward to improve or redevelop the site.

“A guide price is being set at £180,000, and judging by interest so far we would expect the sale price to exceed this.”

The site is due to go under the hammer on April 17 through a live-streamed auction, with live bidding through the phone or online.