Old Coventry nightclub could look like this

PLANS to open a massive karaoke and e-gaming centre in Coventry city centre have taken a step forward - with images revealing just what can be expected.

Over £1million is being invested in the project in the former Pink Parrot and Society nightclub, which is set to transform it into what will be the biggest venue of its type in the UK.

Set to open in September, Players Entertainment will be home to a ground floor full of e-gaming stations, along with a stage for multiplayer video game tournaments.

Upstairs, the first and second floors will offer karaoke, in 25 private rooms.

The biggest of these rooms will cater for up to 40 people.

In total, it will create more than 20 full-time and up to 30 part-time jobs at the Tower Street site.

It is set be open to all ages from noon until 7pm, but after that will operate a strictly over-18s until 2:30am on weekdays and 4:30am at the weekends.

If it proves to be a hit with locals and student alike, there are plans to open more across the country.

Coventry based entrepreneur Jeffy Li has invested £1.3 million into the complex, taking his overall investments in Coventry to just under £20 million since graduating from Coventry University in 2001.

He is the businessman behind Apps Living, which operates more than 1,000 student apartments in the city.

He said: “We are very proud to be bringing this new form of entertainment to Coventry and we want it to be a place that local people and local students can enjoy as well as attracting people into the city.

“It’s based on entertainment venues that are very popular in Asia and are soon to catch on in the UK.

“We are investing heavily in the fit out, in the equipment and a karaoke system that will offer a choice of over one million songs, as well as the fastest internet speeds available.

“It is a very exciting time for us and we are looking forward to moving forward very quickly with this project.”

An interior designer from China has been brought on board the project to design the new venue.

There are no artist’s impressions at this time, but the team behind Players Entertainment have revealed that they envisage a similar theme to these:

Jeffy revealed that they aim to have the venue open by September after the completing the property lease deal through Coventry- based property agents Holt Commercial.

Jonathan Moore, director of Holt Commercial, said it was more positive news for Coventry city centre. He said: “It’s great to see more investment coming into the city centre and Jeffy is once again putting his faith in Coventry with this exciting new project.

“This new venture will bring something new to the city and will be more positive news for the local economy.”

Most recently, the venue operated as the Society nightclub.

In March 2015, the nightclub closed down after Coventry teenager Daniel Kirkwood was fatally stabbed at the venue.

Less than 24 hours after the stabbing, Society owners released a joint statement reading: “It is with regret that after this incident we will be closing the club with immediate effect until further notice.”