Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Club and pub to shut
Nightspot set to close its doors on Hogmanay
A NIGHTCLUB and bar in Dundee are set to close down on Hogmanay.
Out Nightclub and B4 Out on the Seagate will soon shut their doors for the final time — with December 31 pencilled in as the provisional final day of trading.
Operator Dean Cumming said he would be very sad to see the club he has managed for 10 years close down but said he understands why the building’s owners believe it is necessary.
A planning application has been submitted to Dundee City Council by the landlord, a property company called Euroscot Properties Ltd.
The gay-friendly nightclub and bar would make way for a change of use of the building. It could be transformed into a ground floor coffee shop and eight three-bedroom apartments, if planners approve the application. A decision is expected this week. Mr Cumming said: “We will be closing down, probably on Hogmanay but that hasn’t been confirmed yet.
“We’ve died a slow death in the last few months — I’m pretty sure people think we’ve already shut down.
“There has been a nightclub here for about 20 years. It’s the landlord’s decision but I can see why.
“It’s really hard for a nightclub in Dundee at the moment — the nightlife has died. I think the younger generation has different drinking habits and it’s had a big impact on business.
“Students, as well as young professionals, are staying at home more and choosing to drink there rather than going out for the night.”
Mr Cumming said he wasn’t sure if there was anything that could be done to turn around the fortunes of the night-time industry.
He said: “It’s been so quiet across the city for some time. Friday night in Dundee is empty now. Clubs used to be busy all weekend and now places don’t even open on Sunday. The writing has been on the wall for a while.”
Out Nightclub is made up of a series of rooms, bars and club rooms, including The Room at the Top.
Mr Cumming said the entire building would be changing use and all venues would close.
He said the closure of Out wouldn’t leave Dundee without gay-friendly clubs as Klozet and the Salty Dog are there to fill the gap.
He added that he hasn’t yet decided whether or not to stay in the late-night venue industry.