The Newark Advertiser found out people’s memories of the Corn Exchange, Castlegate, Newark

As the reopening of Corn Exchange as a nightclub approaches, the Advertiser asked Newarkers for their memories of the place over the years.

Corn Exchange on Castlegate, Newark will reopen on July 1 as a nightclub after being closed for several years.

The building was used for public events such as lectures, exhibitions and concerts as well as a silent film cinema before the war.

However, it is remembered by many people across Newark when it was used as a wrestling club and a dance hall in the 1950s.

Mrs English said: “I remember it from the 1950s and it was a dance hall! I used to go every Saturday night. It’s the days when there was all the national service from Newton, Winthorpe, and all around.

“There were loads and loads of young men around. Everybody used to come to the dances.

“Although there were a lot of young people around there was no pulling plants or fights, everyone was well behaved and they were from all over the country.”

Mr Brown said: “It is a lovely place but I’m not very happy that it is reopening. I live around the Castlegate and every time it has been open they break the barriers, they messed around the back to a terrible stage. It’s a beautiful building but not as a nightclub.

“Years ago we used to get the army people in there and dance but now these youngers aren’t bothered and all they want is come out till half past four in the morning and cause fights.”

From 1971 to 1993 it operated as a bingo hall which was then transformed into a nightclub called Caesar’s Palace from 1994 to 2011.

Matt Larkin said: “When it used to be open it had three floors, it was a big place and very popular!

“As a nightclub, it was alright although I’m not really bothered about nightclubs but I think it will be good for the town for the people to have somewhere to go.”

Hannah Moore said: “All I can remember was going in once or twice and that it had very sticky floors.

“It was a goodnight out and it will be good for the town because Newark has nothing.”

Overall from the people the Advertiser spoke to, people are happy with a new place to go to in the town until later and for some fun, however, people fear an increase in anti-social behaviour.

Do you have any memories of the Corn Exchange? And what do you think of the fact that it will reopen as a nightclub in a week?