Nightclub in Newark's Corn Exchange will stay open longer after district council realised it would lose appeal and foot hefty legal bill
A nightclub in Newark's historic Corn Exchange will be allowed stay open longer after a council realised it could end up with a legal bill of £10,000 if permission wasn't granted.
Newark and Sherwood District Council's licensing panel initially turned down Corn Exchange Newark Ltd's request for a 4.30am closing time for indoor and outdoor activities on Fridays and Saturdays.
But the developer of the venue, on Castlegate, said that would affect the feasibility of the venture and appealed the decision at Nottingham Magistrates' Court.
And after discussions between barristers working for the council and the company, it was decided the council would agree to terms 'in line with' the applicant's original request.
This was because, council documents state, the company was highly likely to win the appeal — which could have left the authority facing a bill of more than £10,000 in costs. It also took into account a need to boost the town's night-time economy and the police response.
"The business manager [for] public protection in discussion with the senior legal officer agreed that a negotiated out of court settlement was appropriate taking all the circumstances into account," read council documents.
"One of the main reasons for this was the change to the night-time economy of Newark over recent months and the police response.
"Two premises within Newark town centre have recently submitted applications and been granted licences for operating hours until 3.30am."
"Both the hours of the licence and the conditions attached to it were amended and agreement was reached. The amended hours were in excess of those agreed by the [licensing] panel and in line with those requested by the applicant in the original application."
A District Judge has now instructed the licensing committee to issue a new licence in line with the applicant's original application.
Council leader David Lloyd said: “A position was negotiated between the Corn Exchange owner and the district council. Whilst the agreed outcome is different to the decision made by the [licensing] hearing panel, it must be seen in the context of the passage of almost two years. Normality has not resumed in town centres due to the pandemic and two other recently granted licences with extended hours have changed the landscape of Newark’s night time economy over that time period.
“This is an important building in the town centre. No one wants it just to stand empty. Many of you have told me you wish to see it back in use so it was, and still is, our responsibility to work with the owner and explore what is possible to ensure it can be brought back to life once again. In doing so, that will add to sustaining our night time economy.
“There is no purpose in re-hashing old ground here when a positive outcome has been achieved. But for those who do still have local concerns about such licences or venues, be reassured that I have not forgotten them and I continue to ensure your voice is still heard.”
Corn Exchange Newark Ltd will have licences and conditions for specific activities such as sale of alcohol, late-night refreshments and live music and shows.
The plans for the grade II-listed Corn Exchange were previously described by the applicant as family-orientated by day and for the discerning drinker by night.
Live music would regularly be on offer during weekends and themed nights during mid-week.
The basement area would become a late-serving cocktail bar that would close at 4.30am on weekend nights. It was argued by the applicant that the whole venture was not financially viable without the late-night agreement.
There was also said to be a garden area and a bandstand out back, and a secret bar.
Full terms of the licensing agreement are yet to be revealed.