Ambitious plans for regeneration of Newark's derelict Corn Exchange revealed to promise entertainment, experience and escapism
Ambitious plans for the regeneration of Newark’s derelict Corn Exchange have been revealed.
Corn Exchange Newark Ltd wants to bring together a multitude of concepts, tastes and brands for the Castlegate venue.
The company said it was a multi-faceted site and it proposed to fully utilise each floor, as well as the outside, all for different offerings, at different times.
It says the entire site promises to be about entertainment, experience and escapism.
Company director Matt Clark said: “We are happy that the down time during Covid has given rise to some positive planning to bring this beautiful and unique site back to life.
“It was clear that at the last failed application for licence, the council was against a heavily weekend and late-night focused venue.
“I am very confident these aspirational plans, that would attract all ages, are more in-keeping with the building’s character, utilise the amazing riverside location and spread the hours of use over the week, therefore I am hopeful of support from the elected members.”
The company wants the first floor to become a hub of food tastes for the district.
Local and regional food traders are being encouraged to register interest in this shared space.
This food hall, which will seat more than 100 diners, will be ever-changing and transient.
While dishes such as burgers or pizza are likely to be on offer at all times, the management are hoping to attract world cuisine, including Asian, Mediterranean and Caribbean.
The ground floor area will host the main bar, which will also service the first floor.
This floor will also include a gaming area, offering some revival classics such as shuffleboard, and modern upgrades such as interaction darts, board games, dominoes and cards.
Live music will regularly be on offer during weekends and themed nights during mid-week.
The basement area will become a late-serving cocktail retreat featuring booths and a small dancefloor.
The outside is to be split into a small area solely serving the basement customers, a hidden bar, and a larger public alfresco area.
A hidden gin and herb garden will serve more than 100 different gins and a small range of exclusive cocktails.
It would be booking only and require a password to enter through a secret passage.
It is expected to have a bandstand installed to host live music.
The development of the site is promised to offer significant employment.
