Brighton's reputation as a centre for night life will be enhanced by a new £5 million "superclub".

The former Paradox nightclub in West Street is being converted to a bar, restaurant and 1,550-capacity venue called Creation.

First Leisure Corporation will open the venue during weekday afternoons for business people and shoppers, hoping they choose to remain for the evening.

Regional manager Andy Millar said: "Brighton is a national centre of style and creativity and its vibrant community deserves a truly unique venue.

"This is why our team of designers was charged with one thing - to create an adaptable venue which is new, sexy and exciting. I believe they have succeeded."

Writer and broadcaster Simon Fanshawe, who led the city's Place To Be campaign, said: "It is always great seeing people wanting to invest that sort of money in top-class leisure.

"But I hope they will also spend time with other club owners to make partnerships with the police, who face enormous difficulties policing West Street.

"Other cities have tried to tackle the problem and some of the best crime reduction has been done inside clubs.

"Let's hope they can work with the police to cut crime on the streets."

Police licensing officer Kareen Plympton said: "We have said they have to instigate certain crime prevention measures.

"These are in the interests of reducing violent crime and drug-related activity and for staff safety as well as patron safety."

The venue, due to open in May, will feature a central dancefloor and illuminated tables. There are three other Creation night clubs, in Leeds, Leicester and Stoke.

They have attracted performers of the calibre of Artful Dodger and Fragma.