A ONCE notorious nightclub, which was subject to several police raids, is to reopen this weekend as a place of worship.

The Colosseum nightclub in Norton Road, Stockton, which has been closed since 1997, will open on Saturday as the Destiny Centre.

The owners, Teesside International City Church, hope the centre will be able to shake off its past.

The 1930s former cinema has changed hands and names a number of times over the years and, as the Fiesta nightclub in the 1970s, it attracted names such as Tommy Cooper, Roy Orbison and Shirley Bassey.

It later became Black Cats, Park Avenue, Henry Afrikas, the Blue Monkey and, latterly, the Colosseum.

People living near the building have welcomed the news of its transformation after suffering at the hands of revellers who broke into their cars and used their gardens as toilets.

Eight years ago, more than 200 police officers in riot gear stormed the club in one of the area's biggest drugs clampdowns. Officers entered the club, arrested 35 people and seized cash and drugs during the early hours of a February morning in 1996.

The undercover operation followed months of planning and involved 20 vehicles, undercover detectives inside the club, unmarked police vans, dog handling teams and a police helicopter.

Stuart Levin, trustee, has promised the building will no longer be a problem for residents.

He said: "We believe it was our destiny to get the old Fiesta. We want to be a life-changing church that brings fresh hope to the area."

The centre includes a main hall for more than 400 people, a stage area, coffee bar and relaxation areas.

Future plans include community events and activities for children and young people.

Mr Levin said: "Everyone who has seen the building has been absolutely amazed. It is unrecognisable compared to when we bought it."

The event on Saturday is by invitation only, but the church meets every Sunday at 10am.

For further information, contact (01642) 530232.