Three names have been decided for the new nightclub that is set to open at the former Rivals site in Queen Street.

Adopting a nautical theme, owner Paul Blair has decided on the Ocean Rooms for the whole building, Channel Club for the nightclub section, formerly Rivals, and the Coast Bar for what was the Academy.

He said: “We decided last night (Monday).

“My partner said we need something coastal.

“There’s a couple of Coast nightclubs and bars in Wales and Poole.”

The decision followed a Mercury reader appeal for names, which we ran in the paper and online for two weeks.

“My partner said we need something coastal," owner Paul Blair

Mr Blair considered them all. The runner-up for the new brand at the Academy bar was one of our readers’ suggestions, highlighting the former cinema link.

Jill Martin had posted on Facebook that Rivals stands on the site of the once Odeon Cinema. The first of which was opened by Oscar Deutsch.

“We were thinking of calling the cabaret bar Oscar’s but we decided on Coast Bar instead,” Mr Blair added. The club is set to open on Good Friday, bringing job prospects to the area and an alternative to Deal’s existing pubs and bars.

It will follow a refurbishment costing “mid six figures”.

Works continue at the site but Mr Blair has confirmed the decor will not reflect the seaside theme of the names.

Mr Blair’s vision includes transforming one of the former Flic’s cinema screens into an exclusive VIP area. The location of the decks could be swapped and the toilets have been revamped.

There may also be rental opportunities for the other cinema room.