Snobs announces opening date for third club venue

Snobs will leave its current home in Smallbrook Queensway in March

A famous Birmingham nightclub which boasts more than 50 years of history has announced the opening date for its new venue.

Snobs is relocating from its current premises on Smallbrook Queensway after a final night on Saturday 2 March.

The club's new venue in Cumberland House on Broad Street will open on Wednesday 13 March.

Wayne Tracey, who bought the nightclub in 2002, said: "The opening of the new Snobs on Broad Street will be a major landmark in the club’s history."

An architect's impression of the new Snobs dance floor

It will be the third venue that the iconic club has occupied in its history.

Snobs has made the move because its current Smallbrook Queensway base was put at risk as part of the city’s regeneration plans.

Plans have now been approved to demolish the Ringway Centre, where Snobs was based, despite a campaign to save it.

However, Mr Tracey said the move had resulted in a “fantastic opportunity” to relaunch the club using the latest 21st Century designs and electronics.

“We are thrilled to have such a great position of Broad Street to continue the great name, brand, reputation and nightlife that everyone in Birmingham knows as Snobs," he said.

All 45 current staff will move to the new venue, while another 15 jobs will be created.

The new venue will have a 1,450 audience capacity in what will be a downstairs bar and clubroom, with two club dance rooms upstairs.

Mr Tracey said the move had resulted in a “fantastic opportunity” to relaunch the club

Dozens of builders, floor specialists, plasterers and electricians are currently busy on a total refurbishment of what was formerly the Velvet Music Rooms.

The venue has been stripped down to its original brickwork with a new design by architects Tibbatts Abel now being created.

There will also be up to 400 life-sized "Snobs faces" coming out of the walls, recreating one of the club’s original design features.

Snobs will be replacing the Velvet Music Rooms at Cumberland House, 200 Broad Street

An architect's impression of the club's new daytime bar

Mike Olley, general manager of Westside BID, said: “This is an incredible opportunity for Snobs, and having spoken to Wayne I know he’s looking forward to not only attracting all the club’s existing custom but also the area’s extra footfall."

The opening night on 13 March will feature a VIP launch event.