NEW ringmasters are taking the helm at Blackburn’s largest nightclub.

And their blueprints for success include transforming their main auditorium into a big top.

Between them nightclubs supremo Freddie Marshall and superstar DJ Jason Fubar have worked their magic on venues from Lanzarote to the Lancashire coast.

Now the pairing is hoping to transform the fortunes of the former Liquid and Envy nightclub, in St Peter’s Street, when it reopens as Code in March.

Mr Marshall says he is investing £100,000 in a makeover for the site, which last traded as Switch.

Meanwhile Jason, who made his name at Syndicate nightclub in Blackpool, will be opening his contacts book to bring everyone from star names to up-and-comers to Blackburn in 2019 and beyond.

Jason said: “The main room still has a circular ceiling so we are looking at circus theme for the club. We are looking at making this a modern dance music venue, for the over-18s.

“But we are also looking at holding events for the over-30s and over-40s, to tap into the spirit of the old Blackburn raves.”

Despite the location’s stop-start history, in recent years. the job of providing an ‘anchor’ club for the town is not one he is shying away from.

“While I was in Blackpool I revitalised Home and Headquarters, which used to be Rumours, so as far as reviving clubs with chequered histories, I think I’m probably one of the most experienced guys in the north-west,” he added.

“The club’s in a very good condition, even with its recent history with other operators. We are writing a new chapter for the venue. It has a new owner and a new direction,” he said.

One of the first attractions scheduled for the venture will be the Clubland Classix tour, he confirmed.

Mr Marshall, who has been involved with the former Caesar’s nightclubs in Blackpool, Australia and Lanzarote, added: “We are going to completely gut it inside for the circus theme. It’s going to be amazing.”

He has a six-and-a-half year lease for the premises, which was signed at the end of last November.

The announcement has come as the freehold for the building, held by Hyde-based Abbasid Ltd, is up for auction with Pugh and Company in Salford on February 19.

Auctioneers have set a guide price of £230,000 for the two-floor venue.