Rugeley firm wins Hawaiian make-over nightclub contract

A Rugeley creative firm has won a contract to bring a touch of Hawaiian-style tropical magic to a nightclub in York – with the help of a 38-year-old VW camper van and a Lichfield accident repair shop.

GMP Design won the contract to revamp the biggest nightclub in the city.

The centre-piece of the refurb – conceived by GMP's lead designer Jason Robinson – is an iconic VW camper van. But the 1974 van acquired for the job needs extensive rebuilding, and is too big to go through the club entrances.

So Lichfield Accident and Repair Centre has stepped in to help. The garage is restoring the van to its former glory and then cutting it into two. Once inside the club it will be re-assembled and put in place.

The Clifford Street club, previously known as The Gallery, is to be renamed the Kuda Bar and Nightclub after the £350,000 refit by GMP.

GMP's redesign involves transforming the 800-capacity club with a Tiki-style Hawaiian surfer beach treatment. As well as the VW camper van the refurbishment includes state-of-the-art lighting, illuminated sets and celebrity booths.

The club was expected to be back in action this week.

"We were really keen to use the VW van as a strong element of the design. Unfortunately the one we bought is a bit of a wreck and needs extensive rebuilding. To get it into the club we also need to slice it into two pieces and rebuild it again inside the club. We are really grateful to Lichfield Accident Repair Centre who came to our rescue," said Mr Robinson.

Lichfield Accident Repair Centre, on the Crossfield Industrial Estate, is a 24-hour accident repair centre which also specialises in vehicle customisation and classic car restoration.

Andy Johnson of LARC said: "This is certainly an unusual job for us. After we've restored a vehicle we don't normally cut it in half. But we're pleased to help GMP, and I'm sure the camper van will look great in its new home."

This is the second contract in the middle of York to be carried out by GMP in a short time. The company was also commissioned to design a stylish and sophisticated bar in Swinegate Court in the centre of York. Bar Esperanza is based on the first floor of Lucia's – a popular Mediterranean restaurant.

The Kuda Bar and Nightclub is owned by leading UK nightclub operator Luminar, which fell into administration in 2011, but has now been rescued by a consortium led by former Luminar executive Peter Marks in a £45 million deal.

GMP Design, based on the Towers Business Park, was established by Rugeley businessman Neil Morten 20 years ago. The firm has become one of the UK's leading bar, restaurant and club interior design companies, with major contracts throughout the UK, Europe and the Far East.