Question marks were once raised over its future, but now it appears Bury St Edmunds’ Apex venue can do no wrong.

East Anglian Daily Times: Lulu, who will perform at The Apex in MarchLulu, who will perform at The Apex in March (Image: Archant)

Lulu is the latest big name to be coming to the town, with her performance on March 2 selling out so quickly that an extra date has been added on March 24.

Once considered to be struggling after it was built, the St Edmundsbury Borough Council-owned venue is now “flourishing”, according to the authority.

While The Apex brought in £1.2million of income in 2014/15, that record has already been matched in 2015/16, with the final quarter still to go, said a St Edmundsbury statement.

“Nationally, The Apex is growing in stature,” said council cabinet member for leisure and culture Jo Rayner.

“It has only been open for five years but it has a reputation for offering amazing acoustics and a more intimate setting compared to larger venues.

“That is attracting bigger names, bigger audiences and that is ensuring that we are building on its success year on year.”

Scottish singer Lulu’s career spans six decades, including hit songs Shout, The Man With the Golden Gun and Relight My Fire, with Take That.

St Edmundsbury said Lulu booked a second visit after she was “so impressed” with The Apex.

However, Mrs Rayner said what she enjoyed particularly about The Apex was that one moment it could host a world-famous singer and the next be playing host to a community event.

“To me, however, the greatest success of The Apex isn’t in the big crowd-pullers but in its use as a flexible, community hub,” she added.

“Just a few hours before we welcome Lulu, this wonderful building will be playing host to a beginners’ class for yoga.”

Last Thursday saw the launch of the Bury St Edmunds Festival brochure at The Apex, with a number of acts including renowned violinist Nigel Kennedy and Courtney Pine performing at The Apex during the festival from May 20-29.

As well as the famous names of Joan Collins, Pam Ayres, Showaddywaddy and Howard Jones due to appear at The Apex this year, it is also providing a meeting place for the Bury Friendship Group, a chess club, baby ballet, belly dancing, pilates classes, Songbook Sundays jazz in the lounge and a weekly Sunday Brunch.

The box office sold close to 92,000 tickets in 2015 – an increase of around 15% on 2014.