Cage fights could be staged at a re-opened Stratford Rex nightclub after fresh proposals were submitted.

The 100-year-old High Street building, which is currently empty, was repossessed by Newham Council more than 18 months ago after its previous owners failed to pay rent and business rates.

The derelict site, once one of London’s most popular theatres, is currently boarded up. It was previously in use as a nightclub.

Now, applicants Enplex Limited want to turn The Rex into a entertainment venue with a restaurant and 75 car parking spaces.

In a statement sent along with the application, operations director Angela Lewis said the firm intended to restore as much as possible “the Victorian character of the building.”

She added motorists and residents would have nothing to fear from the additional car parking.

“The amount of staff that would be needed to run the different departments of the building will run to 30 in number,” Mrs Lewis outlined in the statement.

“Most of those might be working at very late hours when public transport is not available.

“We are happy to agree with the council’s proposals to use the car park for a limited period of three years on the basis that there is an option for this period to be renewed if need be.”

A winding-up order was issued to the previous tenants in July 2010 after �170,000 of rent and business rates went unpaid.

Officers said several conditions of the lease had been breached, including a failure to maintain the building, and allowing a ticket sales and food business to sub-let the premises.

Newham Council is expected to make a decision on Enplex Limited’s application by mid-March.