A MUSIC lover has unveiled plans to open the largest dedicated live music venue in Worcester.

Jessica Sampson wants to set up a 400+ capacity venue, called River Rooms 2, in the closed YSS youth centre and adjoining cafe in Carden Street, Worcester.

The school inclusion manager is raising £60,000 on an online crowdfunding page to get the project off the ground.

She said: “The capacity is better than other venues in Worcester.

“It will be for dancing and there will also be a seating area. We will have 80s and 90s tribute bands on Friday and Saturday nights, for the older generation.

“There will also be comedy and student nights during the week. I think this will bring more choice to people in Worcester.

“This is a local venue for local people to enjoy, to save them from going much further afield. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

The 53-year-old, who was born and raised in the city, hopes the new club will bring major comedy stars to the city, emulating the success of Birmingham’s Glee Club.

She added: “Comedy does happen on a smaller scale at pubs and places in Worcester, but with the audiences we could attract we could get similar performers to those in Birmingham.”

Mrs Sampson added that she plans to employ 12 to 13 people at the venue, which would open at around 8pm and close at 2am.

Speaking about the crowdfunding page, she said: “We don’t want to open the venue and wait for people to come in. The crowdfunding page is a way of generating interest.

“If people pledge, it shows they are likely to be an avid supporter of the venue. We would also like the money to help us set up.”

Mrs Sampson said every donor would receive their money back if the project did not go ahead.

She has not yet bought the lease for the building or put in a planning application with the city council.

The money raised through the crowdfunding page will be spent on the lease, fitting-out costs and bands.

Mrs Sampson added that Stourbridge’s River Rooms venue, which she regularly visits, has given her permission to use its brand in Worcester.

She hopes to open the venue in September.

To support the crowdfunding page go on https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/riverrooms2