11:07am Wednesday 8th September 2010
By Simon Carr
MYSTERY surrounds the closure of a Hampshire bar and grill.
Fusion is the latest in a string of firms to have failed to transform the fortunes of an ill-fated Eastleigh venue.
Now the premises are locked down again and the only information is a letter on the door with contact details for parties interested in the site.
Fusion Bar and Grill Limited opened to ambitious plans after the site was taken over by Defensa Security Limited included a two-phase development with a bar and grill in May and a nightclub being launched in August.
The sudden closure has shocked residents and the firm has not replied to the Echo’s enquiries.
The Daily Echo understands Hampshire-based Defensa Security Limited also run services from corporate and executive protection to wheel-clamping.
Companies House has confirmed the business was set up in November and it was unable to confirm its interests as it has yet to submit its first set of accounts due in July.
The Fusion Bar and Grill building is best known as the site of Martine’s nightclub.
Eastleigh borough councillor Chris Thomas said: “It is in a prime location and the council want to see it used for the benefit of the town.”
Another previous incarnation was Flava nightclub which was launched in November last year after a major refurbishment but suffered a series of delays over fire regulations and management fall outs.
By March it was placed in voluntary liquidation.
The future of the three-storey site is currently uncertain although Eastleigh Town Centre Partnership chairman Dee Buffone insists there is a space for a nightclub in the area.
He said: “The town should welcome a nightclub as long as it is policed properly and run well.”
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/trade_directory/