UK: Malhotra Group’s plans for an aparthotel in Newcastle city centre have received a boost with the withdrawal of an objection to the scheme by Northumbria police.
The Malhotra Group’s £7 million plans to transform a historic building next to the Swan House Roundabout include both rooftop and ground floor bars, causing concern among licensing authorities 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 project has been called off after a breakthrough in negotiations.
After Malhotra offered new conditions to reassure the council and police 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 They added: “Previous objections to the application from key city stakeholders have been withdrawn but no decision can be made until details relating to the operating style, in line with council licensing policy, have been resolved.”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.”</p
