Details of Newark Corn Exchange nightclub plans with more to follow in future

More details about a new nightclub in Newark’s historic Corn Exchange building will be revealed in the next six to eight weeks.

On Monday ( April 3) Newark and Sherwood District Council approved a new licence for the Corn Exchange on Castlegate.

Current plans for the Grade-II listed building include returning the venue to use as a nightclub. However the licensing agreement also allows for it to be used for other purposes.

At the hearing on Monday, a representative of Corn Exchange Newark Ltd, who own the building, said they were in talks with a Turkish restaurant and café to occupy part of the basement and outdoor space to the rear of the of the property, allowing hot food and refreshments to be sold during the day and evening.

The building will then close at 10pm, before reopening as a nightclub — which will operate on the ground and first floors ­— until the early hours.

Door staff will be employed on Fridays and Saturdays but it is believed will not be required during the week unless large events are due to take place.

To minimise potential issues with disturbances and anti-social behaviour a number of measures will be put in place, including:

• Regular noise level assessments will take place and steps taken to minimise disruption to residents.

• Signs reminding patrons to be respectful of neighbouring homes and to keep noise to a minimum will be placed on all exits.
• A free phone service to call taxis for all patrons.
• The venue will be for the use of over 18s only after 10pm. A period of 15 minutes will be allowed for under 18s admitted before 10pm to leave.
• No under-18 events.
• Enhanced challenge policy operated at all times; Challenge 21 will include the use of two forms of ID, at least one being photographic; Challenge 25 will be at least one single form of photographic ID
• An incident report book shall be kept, which will include a record of all refusals of entry and of service, along with ejections or warnings given, including reasons, the staff/security members involved and the date and time.
• Recordings to be made available to police and any other responsible authority when requested.
• There will be designated smoking areas to prevent large numbers of people gathering on the street.
• Food and drink will not be allowed to be taken in, or out of, the building.