A POPULAR Eastleigh nightspot that shut down after being dogged by financial mismanagement is set to reopen tonight.

A full Christmas and new year programme of events was scrapped at The Imperial Members Club after the management suddenly closed the club without warning, leaving its 350 users without their regular venue.

Now, with new owners and a six-week refurbishment completed, the club is looking to rekindle its reputation as the town's premier nightspot.

With a complete revamp that includes a new bar, stage, dancefloor and DJ booth, the new-look Imperial is hoping to regain the support of older residents in Eastleigh, with a strict over-21s and members only policy.

The club, above clothing store Burton in Market Street, has been at the centre of the town's entertainment scene for more than four decades, since the Imperial Ballrooms provided a stage for pop acts of the 60s.

The Eastleigh Imperial Members Club was originally launched five years ago and had more than 1,000 members sign up in its first year.

As the Daily Echo reported in December, it closed last year after mismanagement and financial irregularities left the club with a crippling debt problem.

The new owner of the club, Colin White, says it is still hoping to serve the needs of Eastleigh's older residents.

"We are going to be specialising in comedy acts, and music from the Motown era and the 70s," he said.

"You always hear about places for younger people and we want to provide entertainment for the older people in Eastleigh."

Mr White added: "The Imperial's opening night will be invitation only, and members can look forward to a comedian and music from a local radio DJ from Ocean FM."

Mr White, who also owns the now-closed Breezers nightclub, said the move to Market Street was ideal for a membership venue.

"Breezers was just too big for a social club with such high overheads. This club is a better size and it allows us to be selective with our members, and offer something unique to Eastleigh," he said.

Meanwhile, Mr White also confirmed that a planning application had been sent to Eastleigh Borough Council which could see the Breezers site on the corner of Blenheim Road and Southampton Road becoming an apartment building.

Up to 33 new flats, with underground parking, could be developed on the site.

"We hope the planning application will go ahead," he added.