One of Norwich's biggest nightclubs has closed with the loss of 60 jobs, just over a year after it reopened following a �2m revamp.

The future of Project nightclub at the Riverside centre looked secure last year after it was one of the clubs and bars run by leisure group, Luminar to remain open, despite it going into administration.

The chain, which runs clubs all over the country, was subsequently bought by a consortium of three leisure industry leaders, Peter Marks, Alex Geffert and Joe Heanen in December last year.

But Project's survival looks to have been only a short-term reprieve after a spokesman for its owner, now known as the Luminar Group, said it had stopped trading on Saturday.

Stephen Lynn, a spokesman for the Luminar Group, said: 'The Luminar Group has been working hard to find a solution with the landlord of the club that would see a reduction in rent.

'No deal was forthcoming, leaving Luminar no choice but to close Project, as it's not financially viable.

'The Luminar Group would like to thank the team at Project for their hard work and dedication, as well as the clubbers of East Anglia for some truly memorable nights.

'The closure of Project will result in the loss of 60 jobs.'

Caroline Williams, chief executive of Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said it was a 'sad' day.

She said: 'It's always sad to see a business close, especially in such a vibrant area as Riverside.

'We can only hope that a new owner can be found quickly to be able to re-employ some of the staff who have unfortunately lost their jobs.'

As reported, the comedy club, Jongleurs, which was based at Project, closed earlier this year. Jongleurs had opened the previous year and ran on Friday and Saturday nights.

Project nightclub reopened just over a year ago following a �2m revamp, bringing with it 75 new jobs. It was opened on the site of the former Lava/Ignite nightclub, which was originally closed due to structural problems in 2007.

As reported by the Evening News, the Riverside complex, which also includes the Odeon cinema and Wetherspoon's Queen of Iceni pub, had been hit hard by the absence of the flagship venue.

Are you opening a new club or bar in Norwich or do you know of a business that has sadly gone to the wall? Call reporter David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk.