FINISHING touches to the £2 million refurbishment of the renamed Liquid Envy nightclub on Ipswich's Cardinal Park were completed last week and the new state-of-the-art venue reopens its doors to the local public this Friday, August 25.

FINISHING touches to the £2 million refurbishment of the renamed Liquid Envy nightclub on Ipswich's Cardinal Park were completed last week and the new state-of-the-art venue reopens its doors to the local public this Friday, August 25.

The investment is part of a wider national rebranding and re-positioning of the Liquid chain, which earlier this year sold off its Chicago Rock outlets. More than 50 new jobs have been created at the Ipswich nightclub as a result.

The new Liquid Envy caters for two distinct age groups, offering the over 25s a completely separate venue (Envy) not open to younger customers. At weekends, Liquid will be open for over 18s, whereas Envy will be strictly for those aged 25 and over. During the week, both areas are open to everyone.

General manager Daniel Guerche said the aim was to give the mature weekend clubber a comfortable and relaxed environment with people of a similar mindset.

“Envy has been designed to attract an older clientele that may prefer to relax and chat with friends and mix with a more mature crowd in a sophisticated environment. However they will also be able to flow freely between the two venues throughout the evening.”

Liquid has capacity for 900 customers, Envy for 450. Both venues will combine superior sound and high-spec lighting technology to create a stylish, upmarket clubbing experience, the company said.

Liquid's music will be more commercial dance tunes, while music at Envy will be more popular, well-known anthems from recent decades that invoke more of a party atmosphere.

The nightclub also includes the Liquid Lounge, an invitation-only quiet drinks area which can hold up to 100 guests, and funding is available to bring in top DJs and celebrity personalities on a regular basis.

“With such a grand investment into the old Liquid, we are now going to be able to give our customers an even bigger and better night out,” said Mr Guerche.

“Envy will become such a desirable location and will hopefully encourage the older market of customers to come out and be able to enjoy a relaxed and fun atmosphere.”