An abandoned nightclub in Sutton is soon to be transformed into a multi-use cultural space in the town centre.

The new cultural hub, Throwley Yard, will be a renovation of the former Chicago nightclub that has been empty since 2013.

Really Local Group and Sutton Council have secured £11.35 million from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund to deliver the renovation of the building and three other projects.

Throwley Yard intends to play a key role in the Council’s plans to transform the town centre into a vibrant and sustainable destination with great culture, food, shopping and modern flexible working, alongside new community spaces and places for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Preston Benson, founder of Really Local Group said he is “incredibly excited” to be working with Sutton Council on this project.

He added: “Really Local Group creates multi-use social and entertainment hubs by retrofitting existing high street venues.

“The repurposing of the site of this former nightclub aims to bring local businesses, jobs, and lifestyle opportunities to the area, offering a place for the community to enjoy live performances, art classes, and much more.”

The building is set to be designed to embrace the local community, as Really Local Group's projects say to focus on demographic needs and bring an understanding of localism to all redevelopments.

Throwley Yard is set to be completed in 2023 and will feature theatres used for cinema or live performances, a café, bar, an accessible workspace, and a facility offering performing arts classes.

As well as promoting inclusion, the new site says to be carbon-neutral in line with the Council’s commitment to reach “net-zero”.

Councillor Jayne McCoy, deputy leader of Sutton Council, said: “This is a really exciting moment.

“By working with Really Local Group we’ll be bringing a Sutton landmark back into use after nearly 10 years, transforming the old Chicago’s into a hub of daytime and evening activity that will bring a new buzz to the town centre.

“We were impressed by Really Local Group’s approach because it aligns with our own commitment to boosting our economy and culture by creating spaces for community, business, and artists to grow.

“We’ve got big plans for Sutton Town Centre and Throwley Yard is a key part of them.

“I can’t wait to see this site come to life again."

Really Local Group has said it is committed to regenerating a new style of high street that is bespoke to the local area and demographic and promises to do so with the new Throwley Yard venue.