SALISBURY's biggest nightclub will be closing its doors for a £500k refurbishment next week.

The Chapel, a staple of Salisbury's nightlife since 1997, is preparing to move onto its next exciting chapter after a "One Last Time" celebration this weekend, Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 August.

This part of the makeover project will upgrade The Chapel Room and The Courtyard.

Site director Sean Cullen estimates The Chapel will be closed for "four weeks", adding: "With any build, until you start, you can't give an accurate timescale.

"The Chapel room is a big building and needs to be treated with care. If this takes time then so be it."

What's changing?

New bars, flooring, sound and lighting systems, seating, air conditioning, and tills will be installed during the refurbishment. The heating and toilets will also be upgraded.

The Courtyard will be transformed into a timeless DISCO room, offering "something for all ages". 

Once refurbished, The Chapel will go back to opening three nights a week - Thursday, Friday and Saturday - with the aim to "reignite the nighttime economy in Salisbury".

An additional £250k will be spent on transforming The Vestry, which is currently closed, into a cocktail bar.

Bar Botanic is advertised as an elegent place to enjoy great cocktails and relax with friends and will open on Friday 2 September.

Read more: Chapel Nightclub to have £750k makeover under new owners

Salisbury Journal: The Vestry is currently under refurbishment to be transformed into Bar BotanicThe Vestry is currently under refurbishment to be transformed into Bar Botanic

Salisbury Journal: Bar Botanic will open on Friday 2 SeptemberBar Botanic will open on Friday 2 September

Mr Cullen told the Journal that the DJ in The Chapel Room will be based "in the pulpit" and that the big stage was a Covid addition.

"The organ will be featured heavily due to the new lighting," added Mr Cullen.

Despite there still being "a way to go to get back to pre-Covid levels", Mr Cullen said: "The more people coming into Salisbury to attend The Chapel will help feeder bars and other associated businesses."

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