Bar idea could be tonic for old loos

THE firm that will turn Newcastle’s historic Bigg Market toilets into a trendy wine bar has its eyes on another set of disused city centre loos.

There are plans to turn the rundown ladies’ toilets in High Bridge into one of the smallest gin bars in the UK.

Developer WC Newcastle Ltd’s latest renovation scheme would see the derelict loos brought back to life as the Gin Closet.

Steven Blair, the entrepreneur behind the plans, said that the High Bridge redevelopment will be a “great continuation” of his Bigg Market project.

Both sites were among several public conveniences closed down due to Newcastle City Council budget cuts.

The High Bridge toilets, next to the Kaltur restaurant on the cobbled city centre street, were put up for auction in 2016 and measure up at just 11 square metres inside – but the developer says it could accommodate up to 30 gin lovers at a time.

Mr Blair says that if he is granted planning permission for the renovation, the new bar will offer a “cool selection” of artisan gins and tonics.

He added that the restoration of the gentlemen’s loos on the Bigg Market is progressing “really well” and the wine bar should be open by the end of January if all goes to plan.

A spokesperson for Newcastle City Council said: “We can confirm WC Newcastle Ltd has submitted a planning application for change of use of the former ladies’ toilets on High Bridge Street into a gin bar.

“The application will be subject to the usual planning and licensing processes.”

A planning application lodged with the council for the High Bridge toilets states: “Proposed development will include application for change of use from public toilet to retail unit as part of a renovation and restoration of a disused unit currently vacant.

“This will hopefully see the unit become viable to hold up to 30 people maximum in accordance with current fire safety regulations, which stipulate a maximum of 30 with one usable exit/ entry point.”

The planning document adds that the bar would be Newcastle’s smallest – and possibly the smallest gin bar in the country.

The Tin of Sardines bar, in Elvet Bridge, Durham City has laid claim to being the UK’s smallest gin bar, with room to accommodate just 16 people. How the Gin Closet could look. Left, how the former ladies’ toilets look today