Toilet break
MORE DELAYS IN BID TO TRANSFORM TOILETS INTO TRENDY WINE BAR
THE verdict on whether Newcastle’s famous Bigg Market loos can be converted into a wine bar has been delayed for a second time – but the plans are still expected to get the go-ahead.
Newcastle City Council was set to make its decision on the 19th century loos’ future today, but has again cancelled a licensing hearing.
A hearing last month was postponed for further negotiations with the potential developer, after both the council and Northumbria Police had lodged objections against the plans.
However, talks are continuing between the local authority and the applicant, WC Newcastle Ltd, and it is expected that civic centre officials will grant a licence for the site without the need for a committee hearing.
Both the council and the police had criticised a lack of detail on how the bar would operate, in an area of the city where the high number of bars and clubs already provides a major challenge for police.
But, in a statement shown to councillors just minutes before the last committee hearing was due to begin, WC Newcastle argued that the size, operating hours, and style of their wine bar would be “very unlikely” to contribute to issues of noise and drunken behaviour around the Bigg Market.
It added that the Victorian toilets would be turned into a niche, high-end venue with no more than 50 customers at a time.
The toilets, which opened in 1898, were closed to the public six years ago.
WC Newcastle said in its statement: “The building is an ornate, period property built in Victorian times and has been derelict for a number of years.
“The local authority own the property and are keen to bring this building back to life in a positive manner and the proposal for the venue seeks to offer a social experience that other venues in the city cannot offer.
“The intention is to create an intimately designed and atmospherically lit subterranean bar, in keeping with the Victorian heritage, but fused with a modern outlook and feel, which will showcase the truly exceptional nature and history of this building.
“Having carried out a considerable amount of research, and considered similar unique venues where bars have been created from similar derelict buildings, the applicant is confident that the creation of a drinking establishment in this venue will add positively to the city.”