A bid to breathe new life into a derelict nightclub could act as the catalyst for further investment along a "run-down" seafront, developers say.

Club Caprice in Cliftonville, Margate, welcomed revellers from the 1960s up until 2016, when it locked its doors for good.

New owner Kerry Ryan filmed a video tour inside the former nightclub

In the six years since then the old Cliff Terrace venue has fallen into a state of disrepair.

But last week plans to transform the site into an art gallery, wedding venue and community centre were given the green light by Thanet District Council.

And now owner Kerry Ryan, who bought the building in 2019, expects the revamped structure - called the Neon Ballroom - to be opened in about a year's time.

"There's lots of work to do," he told KentOnline.

"I have a vision of what it will look like, but it's going to take lots of time and money."

Part of the venue will be turned into a "neon fabrication workshop", while a separate unit will "serve as an art gallery, educational area, community space and wedding venue for hire".

Papers lodged with the local authority say the site will also accommodate a four-bedroom home and "24-hour security during high-value exhibitions".

They add: "Mr Ryan inherited a huge mess from the previous owners, and he has engaged a professional team of architects to guide him through the development.

"The proposals seek to celebrate the historic architecture, conserve the building's significance and enhance its setting.

"They may also be the catalyst for the development of a run-down area.

"The historic architecture will be conserved and celebrated in the restoration of this derelict building, bringing it back to life."

Caprice was popular with late-night drinkers due to its 6am closing time.

Prior to its closure, it was dubbed "Jurassic Park" by locals because of its older clientele.

Mr Ryan - who runs a neon fabrication business that has bases in London and Miami - is also hoping to restore some of the Grade II-listed building's historic features, including a built-in safe.

"Our first point is to get it air tight and water tight," he added.

"Afterwards we'll tackle heating, lighting and safety problems."

The former nightspot had been the subject of plans to convert it into four flats and a shop in 2017.

But the scheme was snubbed by the district council, which reasoned the living conditions would have been "poor and unacceptable".

"When we originally took the building we spent eight months deciding what to do with it, then Covid hit, so it has taken a long time to get started," Mr Ryan continued.

"It's a big project but I can see the light, I'm optimistic."