Managers of a nightspot where a loaded gun was found have submitted an application for a complete redesign of the venue, less than two years after a £1million launch.

Escapade in High Street was boarded up just before Christmas following a series of events which concerned police and Croydon Council.

Nexum Leisure Limited, the company which runs the club, informed the council of its plans to redevelop it with a change to the internal layout.

The club will also have a new name, Svelte - which means a high degree of refinement.

Escapade opened in 2005 at the site of McClusky's pub.

A number of incidents at the club meant police were monitoring it closely.

The final nail in the club's history came at the beginning of December when it was evacuated after an armed police raid.

Officers found a loaded handgun in the men's toilets.

Licensing officers raised concerns about the club and Nexum decided to close it.

The refurbished venue is due to open in the coming months and Nexum's website claims it will "transform Escapade into a stylish and sexy late-night bar".

A council spokesman said: "All premises are required to submit an application when major changes are made to a venue. Escapade management have submitted an application for a complete re-brand, including a new name and layout."

A police spokesman said: "As far as the layout of the venue and other matters all licensed premises have to fully comply with specific regulations.

"We have a meeting scheduled with the management next week at Croydon police station to discuss the way forward."

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