A NIGHTCLUB which has been running for nearly 40 years has been plunged into uncertainty after it was unexpectedly sold.

The Loft, Smugglers and 10 Below, in 10 Ship Street, Brighton, all closed their doors for the last time at the weekend.

It is unclear what will happen to the venues though some fear they could be converted into flats, with one music promoter saying he was “heartbroken” by the news.

The Loft was a 250-capacity dance music institution, formerly Enigma among other names, and hosted the likes of DJ Harvey, Andrew Weatherall, Greg Wilson, Tru Thoughts and Disco Deviant.

Smugglers was a sports pub while 10 Below, formerly the Jazz Place, a more intimate 120-capcity club.

Staff only received the news last Tuesday with a closing party held on Sunday.

A message on the website said: “So as some may and some may not be aware we received the news that every venue hates to hear that our three venues Smugglers, The Loft and 10 Below have been sold and will be shutting their doors for the last time this weekend.

“What the future holds for them, who knows, but in the meantime we want to thank everyone, promoters, customers and staff alike who have enjoyed memorable times with us in the last 39 years.”

The Loft played host to the Brighton Fringe Launch Party and the Alternative Great Escape Festival.

Promoter Paul Budd, who DJs as Pablo Contraband, regularly hosted Disco Deviant nights at The Loft with Greg Wilson due to play on Good Friday, now rescheduled to Al Duomo Italian restaurant.

He said: “I was pretty heartbroken on hearing news of the abrupt sale and closure – especially at just a week’s notice!

“It’s been an important venue for many people and held a key place in my plans for the future too.

“It’s a sad thing to lose the place, I'll miss the staff and the space terribly I think.

“These things happen in business, however I felt the sale of Audio to Mothership was so much more professional in its execution, with plenty of notice and continuity allowing bookings and staff the time to adjust to changes and the diary of events, were allowed to run until a pre planned closing date.”

It is understood owner Glendola Leisure, part of the Foundation Group, sold the venues.

According to Freedom of Information requests the venues had four noise complaints in the last four years but all cases were resolved and no notices were served.