Previews & Features

The Riverside in Norwich is part of the city that would normally be heaving with people enjoying a night out. 

But for the last two months the waterside complex has been quieter than usual after the Lava and Ignite nightclub, and the neighbouring Hollywood Bowl bowling alley, mysteriously closed to the public because of structural problems.

Displaced clubbers

Following the closure, many clubbers have switched to nearby Prince Of Wales Road, but the displacement is putting pressure on other nightclubs in the area.

"The difficulty for us is that in some places they've proved to be a little bit disruptive because naturally they're angry, they're concerned, they've found that they've got nowhere to go and they can't be with their friends," said Julian Foster, from the Norwich City Centre Licensing Forum.

"Some of them have tended to be a little bit aggressive and some of the licensees have reported to me that they are absorbing them, but with care," he added.

Ignite, Norwich Riverside

Club managers have seen as noticeable difference in the numbers of people trying to gain access to Riverside alternatives.

"Some people we let in, but the majority we're not letting in because of dress codes and maybe they're a little bit too drunk," said Toby Middleton, who runs the Mercy nightclub.

"It's certainly made us step our game up and we've got to be extra vigilant with the patrons and customers that are trying to get in the venue now."

And it's not just other clubs that are being affected by the displaced revellers. Taxi companies are also feeling the effects of the Riverside closure.

"Basically, more younger people late at night are coming outside our office. There seems to be more hassle here and more aggravation outside waiting for taxis," said Paul, who works on the desk at Five Star Taxis.

'Essential building maintenance'

The exact reason for the closure of both venues has remained something of a mystery.

There have been reports that vibrations from the venue's special bouncy floor have damaged the structure of the buildings - though these have yet to be confirmed by the nightclub or the building's owners.

In the meantime, Lava and Ignite have released the following statement:

Statement in Hollywood Bowl's window

"Over the past two weeks Riverside entertainment centre has undergone essential building maintenance.

"These works have identified a requirement for further works to be undertaken which will result in Lava and Ignite being closed for a number of months.

"It is not known at this time exactly how long the works will take, but Lava and Ignite is working closely with its landlord, X-Leisure, to ensure the building work is completed as soon as possible."

Police reassurance

So it looks like fans of Lava and Ignite will have to continue making alternative plans, but the police are satisfied that the knock-on effect won't be too great.

Inspector Peter Walsh of Norfolk Police is keen to reassure other visitors to the city that the situation is not a cause for concern.

"The queues may be a bit longer, but I don't think people are being turned away," said Inspector Walsh.

"In some ways it simplifies the policing task because we're looking at one main centre and violent crime has gone down across Norwich, not just in the city centre," he added.