THE former nightclub Karma is to reopen tomorrow night under brand new management.

The Palace, which has a capacity of 600, has been completely refurbished and will be welcoming party goers to the premises tomorrow and Saturday night this weekend.

The new nightclub’s general manager, Adam Hatch, is confident that the new professional outfit, and measures to keep litter and trouble to a minimum, will reverse its former controversial reputation.

He said: “It’s been a while in the build-up but we cannot wait for it, we are really looking forward to it, it’s just what Chippenham needs.

“It’s been completely refurbished inside and it’s all brand new, very clean and crisp, it’s going to be a well run, more professional looking outfit now. We are not going to be over the top expensive, it will be good value for money and a good experience for people to enjoy for ages.”

The Palace, which will operate a strict Challenge 25 policy and ID everybody on the door, will play a mix of RnB, Dance and House music on both nights.

All being well, the club may look to open on a Thursday night in a couple of month’s time.

The nightclub, formerly known as Karma and BUDS 2000, has been closed since it had its licence revoked in 2011 after months of issues with crime and disorder in the town.

But Mr Hatch is keen for his new team to impress customers and the wider public with their professional ethos saying: “We have worked very closely with police and licensing and as far as I am concerned there’s a line drawn under what has happened.

“We will do things professionally. We are going to be a level higher in the way we run things.”

Manager of Ezy’s Taxis in Chippenham, Justin Armstrong, said: “It’s good for Chippenham on the whole. It’s a new business opening up in the town which brings in good things for the town and gives people somewhere to go.”

As well as promises to tidy up and down Station Hill to reduce the build-up of takeaway boxes, Mr Hatch said that door staff will be patrolling areas around The Palace to try to reduce trouble.

However, many local businesses and residents remain concerned that they have heard similar promises in the past.

Wiltshire Councillor Chris Caswill said: “I am sure the residents will be absolutely horrified. The peace and quiet they have enjoyed over the last two or three years has been very welcome and I think this will be horrible news for people who live there and shops on Station Hill.

“The residents will be looking to the council to monitor the noise levels and the police to have sufficient resources in the area.”