A Moroccan themed "chill-out" bar is planned to finally fill the biggest empty space at Brighton Marina.

The venue, which will serve until 2.30am, is due to open at Easter in the £40 million Waterfront building.

The two-storey, 6,000sqft unit has been empty since the complex opened in November 2002 with shops, restaurants and a boutique hotel.

Multi-millionaire Tim Martin's J D Wetherspoon pub chain was to have opened a £2 million Lloyds No 1 bar there.

But his firm scrapped the project last May and Shoreham-based Paul Craig stepped in.

Work has started to prepare the venue, called Karma.

Some marina residents have voiced doubts as to whether the site has adequate transport links for people leaving the bar in the early hours.

Supporters feel a late-night venue will add vitality to the area, especially as ambitious £100 million plans for a grander redevelopment have gone quiet.

Mr Craig - who owns Blu restaurant in Worthing and Shoreham sound and lights firm Showtec - wants the £500,000 Karma to attract an "older, more discerning" clientele than the traditional club scene.

The 375-capacity bar will have a VIP section with large communal bed-style padded areas featuring scatter cushions, candles and incense. The decor will be Moroccan in style and DJs will play funk music at weekends, with saxophonists and bongo players some nights.

Mr Craig said: "I feel Brighton suffers a bit at 10.30pm from having bars that are about to close and clubs which can be a bit full-on with really loud music and packed queues.

"I want to create more of a London-style club experience with chill-out areas, waitress service, good music but the ability to hear yourself speak too.

"People at the marina will be able to go to a restaurant, a couple of bars and then a late-night venue, all within 50 metres."

He said negotiations with a taxi firm would mean more cabs available at closing-time.

Nick Scott, associate director of Parkridge Developments, which owns the leisure properties at the marina, said: "We've always envisaged having a good late-night operator for the Waterfront."

Monday February 09, 2004