Celebrity nightclub plans to transform Assembly Rooms
THE FAMED LONDON NIGHTCLUB CHINAWHITE PREPARING TO OPEN IN NEWCASTLE
PLANS to transform Newcastle’s historic Assembly Rooms into celebrity nightclub Chinawhite have been approved.
The founder of the famed London hangout loved by everyone from rock stars to royalty revealed in 2019 that he had secured a site in the city centre.
James Spallone said it was “a listed building that will require some renovation” – but its location wasn’t unveiled.
But last year we reported that planning documents have been submitted on behalf of Whiteclubs Ltd, directed by James Spallone and which trades as Chinawhite, outlining changes to come at the building.
Now Newcastle City Council planners have approved proposals for the “reinstatement of a semi circular landscaped area within the forecourt” to create a terrace, with raised decking and fire pits.
Their decision said: “It is considered that the development would deliver a high quality and sustainable design which responds positively to the area’s character and distinctiveness.”
They are still considering a further application for lit internal alterations to the ground floor including redecoration, new flooring finishes and ceiling features, internal alterations to offices and the staff room at the second floor.
The Assembly Rooms was owned by the Michaelides family for 45 years until it was sold to new owners Union Property Services, who then enlisted property specialists to put it on the market in the hope of attracting prestigious leisure companies.
It is not know if Chinawhite would take over the whole of the grand Grade II listed building as the majority of the planning applications just cover the ground floor area
Drawings by architects Tibbatts Abel in London outlined plans for a new VIP area with separate VIP toilets and entrance corridor, a private room with its own private toilets, new timber flooring and decorative walls and feature doors.
The existing bar in the ground floor, potentially to be renamed the Mao Room, would be reduced in size with seating replaced with new fixed seats and removable seating booths, while decorative walls would be installed as well as a wave effect light feature and lantern lights.
The planning documents say: “The main purpose of this development is the refurbishment of the building due to a new leasehold in order to introduce a different environment to the premises.
“These proposals only seek the removal of decorative features which belong to the previous design such as modular boards, flooring, ceiling boards, lighting and furniture.
“There will not be any alterations to the original structure to avoid any possible harm of the historical fabric and character of the building.
“Existing historical features such as doors, columns, walls or raised floors well be kept as original.
“In summary, the proposals have been carefully designed to protect the historic and architectural interest of the building. The application proposals constitute modest but nonetheless important improvements to the premises’ efficient functioning and customer environment which will support its contribution to the local economy and community.”