A new aparthotel with a rooftop bar looks set to arrive in Newcastle city centre after police dropped their objections.
The Malhotra Group’s £7m plans to transform a historic building next to the Swan House Roundabout had sparked concerns among city licensing chiefs, with fears that drinkers would be spilling out of the venue in the early hours at one of the city’s busiest junctions.
But a hearing to determine whether or not to grant an alcohol licence for the luxury aparthotel, which will boast rooftop and ground floor bars as well as a pavement cafe, was called off after a breakthrough in negotiations.
After Malhotra offered new conditions to reassure council and police bosses that the development at 1 Mosley Street would not have a negative impact on the city centre, their licence looks set to be approved.
Atul Malhotra, operations director at Malhotra Group plc, said: “We are delighted the plans for Mosley Street can now go ahead.
“It’s an iconic city centre site and, alongside our development at Market Lane and the planned regeneration of Pilgrim Street , heralds an exciting time for the city.”
A spokesperson for Newcastle City Council said that talks over the licence conditions for the site, which was formerly offices for the GMB union, “remain ongoing”.
They added: “Previous objections to the application from key city stakeholders have been withdrawn but no decision can be made until details relating to the operating style, in line with council licensing policy, have been resolved.”
Malhotra had wanted the venue to stay open as late as 2.30am, but police say an earlier closing time has been offered.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson confirmed: “Following our initial objection, further discussions with The Malhotra Group took place.
“During these discussions the group made satisfactory changes to their application, such as an earlier close.”
A total of 19 apartments are planned within the aparthotel – 14 within existing 1 Mosley Street building, and five in a proposed extension.
The empty void between the building’s Pilgrim Street wall and the neighbouring property would be filled with a glass lift which guests can use to reach the rooftop bar.
