A NEW "superclub" could be coming to the centre of York.

The nightclub, with space for 1,750 people, would be the biggest in the city, and could pave the way for a new late night bus service.

The owners of Nexus nightclub in George Hudson Street want to treble their capacity by expanding into the old Presto supermarket next door.

The Evening Press revealed a million-pound expansion project for the club in March last year. But the plan was withdrawn in April, when Nexus bosses pledged to put an amended scheme before York council.

Now the club is again seeking to expand, with fresh plans which include a special "arrivals and departures lounge".

Club manager Peter Brownsword said the project would make York an attractive night entertainment venue, and should serve as a "catalyst" for a new bus service for late night revellers.

Bus firm First has already backed the idea.

If the project goes ahead Nexus will be more than twice as large as its nearest rival - Toffs in Toft Green, which has a capacity of 860.

The redeveloped club would include a 200-capacity arrivals and departures lounge, and a new dance and entertainment club room.

Mr Brownsword said the changes would not increase visitor numbers, but would mean people spending more time there. The venue currently holds 600, but he said total attendance on an average weekend night was 2,300.

He said the new lounge would mean people spent more time in the club and less queuing.

The lounge would include a large bar, lots of seating, a cloakroom, telephones and mobile phone charger points, a cash machine, first aid facilities, toilets, and a lift for disabled customers, and serve as a "chill-out" area for customers awaiting transport home.

Mr Brownsword said: "York is in need of a modern up-to-date nightclub that is suitable for the more mature visitor."

He said the club would be aimed at clubbers in their late 20s or 30s. A supporting statement with the application said the club would levy a "significant admission charge" when operating at full capacity.

York's last "superclub", Ikon and Diva, had a capacity of 1,970, but closed 12 months ago. The Gallery on Clifford Street has space for 775, while Ziggy's on Micklegate holds 500.

But the application could face local opposition. Andrew Clark, of Tanner Row, said he would object to the plan. He said: "The way it has all developed over the last few years has not pleased me greatly.

"It's got to stop somewhere. This area is crowded enough in the evening."

Mr Brownsword said the late night bus service would benefit the whole city.

In a letter to Nexus's agent, First's commercial director Peter Edwards wrote: "We are now working on a detailed plan based upon a network of five routes operating to Acomb, Clifton Moor, Haxby, Osbaldwick and the University."

Buses would run between midnight and 3.30am on Fridays and Saturdays, starting and terminating at Rougier Street and stopping at the same bus stops as daytime services.

Nexus lies within a special licensing zone based on the Micklegate area, where stringent rules are applied to plans to extend the area of business hours of licensed premises because of the amount of crime and disorder in the locality.

York Police's licensing officer Mick Welsh declined to comment on the application at this stage, as did the council's licensing officer, John Lacy.

Updated: 08:49 Saturday, February 18, 2006