The new operator of a “beloved” clubbing hotspot has revealed plans to reopen it and restore nightlife in the town.
Experienced nightclub entrepreneur Kevin Spencer has officially accepted the keys for the former ATIK Dartford.
ATIK Dartford is reopening under new management
He was picked as the preferred occupier for the venue, in Essex Road, by Dartford council, which owns the building, in January.
Speaking to KentOnline, Kevin said: “It was a well-established club. The good thing about clubs like that is they are very unique as they are very rarely built like that now.
“It is a purpose-built nightclub in a prime location.
“We are thrilled to announce it is reopening. We are bringing nightlife back to Dartford.”
The premises will be undergoing a massive refurbishment over the next few months which is estimated to cost anything from £250,000 to £400,000.
Kevin Spencer has taken on the iconic nightclub in Dartford. Picture: Kevin Spencer
It promises to have a refreshed look, an upgraded sound system and a revamped party atmosphere.
Kevin, who has 30 years experience in the nightlife industry and security, added: “We are creating something special, bringing fresh energy to the space while ensuring we stay true to what made ATIK such a beloved venue.
“Expect bigger events, incredible guest DJs, and a new focus on offering something for everyone – from packed Friday and Saturday nights out to daytime clubbing experiences for the over-30s crowd.”
He said the day clubbing events, which are tailored to a more mature crowd, are already popular across the country and will bring something different to the town.
The exact opening date has yet to be announced for the club.
The nightclub shut in February last year
ATIK Dartford closed its doors to clubbers for the final time in February last year as Rekom UK, the firm which operated the venue, called in administrators.
It said due to higher bills and the impact of the ongoing cost of living crisis it would be immediately shutting 17 of its sites across the country.
The Kent venue is the second nightclub which Kevin has taken over from Rekom UK as he also reopened Liquid and Envy, in Oldham, Greater Manchester.
Kevin, who is originally from York but now lives in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, said: “It is a really hard time for clubs. They are closing all around the UK as people cannot afford to go out.
“We are in the middle of a recession but we go through these things every 10 years or so. It is the same cycle.
Starbass UK previously staged a Save Our Nightlife protest
“But if we get through it, people will start going back out again. Nightclubs are popular and are still around. It is making sure they survive.”
Days after ATIK Dartford shut, a group, known as Starbass UK, announced it had entered the empty premises as part of a “Save Our Nightlife” campaign and “rave uprising”.
In videos plastered across their social media platforms, it said it was highlighting the plight of young creatives in the music and entertainment industry.
The former two-storey club went through several name changes over its four-decade history and has been known to generations of clubbers as Scala, Flicks, Air and Breathe and Zens and Library.
At the time KentOnline spoke to generations of different clubbers who found love or friends for life on the dance floor.
One ex-clubber, who met her future husband there and now have a daughter together, said at the time: “It was always a busy hive of activity.
“Everyone flocked there after hours to carry on with their Friday or Saturday nights out.
“I remember good music, laughter, Sambuca shots, and lots of dancing.”