Hitchin's beloved music venue Club 85 could be saved from closure if more than £2 million can be raised.

Back in September last year, landlords Jas and Ranjit Lidder submitted a planning application to turn the Whinbush Road site into 16 homes ahead of their planned retirement, but the proposal was withdrawn earlier this year.

Despite this, it still appeared that Club 85 would close down, with a farewell show scheduled to take place on December 30 and manager Bob Mardon saying that the venue was "working to establish our options towards finding a positive resolution and even a new location locally".

Now, it appears that the popular venue could be saved, with Bob confirming he and his team have the opportunity to purchase Club 85 after talks with Jas.

But around £2.2 million needs to be raised to do so.

"A few weeks ago, we called a meeting with Jas to discuss both our situations and I’m delighted to say that we now have the opportunity to buy the place, if we can raise the money to do so," said Bob.

"This is great news but it’s also very scary. We have to raise in the region of £2 million and £2.2 million. That’s a lot of money especially for a grassroots music venue like us."

Bob confirmed that a not-for-profit Community Interest Company will be set up to buy the building, with a fundraiser also launched in the coming days and shares sold to let people invest in the future of Club 85.

"In the next few days, to get the ball rolling there will be a quick fundraiser to raise the battle fund we need to cover surveyors, lawyers, fees, a working capital for the new company and to help us through the transition," he continued.

"We are setting up as a new not-for-profit Community Interest Company to purchase and run the venue. As a CIC we’ll be able to attract grants and match funding from a myriad of funding bodies.

"We will be running fundraisers, prize draws, and inviting donations. We want to run a share sale too, giving everyone the opportunity to invest in the future of Club 85."

Bob is already planning exciting changes to the venue too, adding: "There will be lots more daytime use of the venue for classes, workshops, exhibitions, as a rehearsal space or for shooting videos.

"The downstairs bar will become a quirky music lounge, with sofas, a small stage, piano and congas."