Newark Advertiser poll: Should the Corn Exchange reopen as a multi-use leisure venue with a late licence?

Newark's iconic Corn Exchange has been granted a licence which will allow it to open as a leisure venue once again.

The former nightclub on Castlegate has been closed for a number of years but, prior to covid, operators came forward with proposals to turn the building into a multi-leisure development. However, this hung on achieving a 4.30am closing time at weekends, which was deemed unacceptable.

Today, Newark and Sherwood District Council said its licensing authority had recognised the negative impact that covid-19 restrictions and closures since March 2020 had made to the night-time economy nationwide.

And, eager to encourage development of the sector, increase employment opportunities, bring back into use quality assets, and pave the way for high quality leisure and hospitality proposals to be enjoyed by residents and the future student population expected following Towns Fund investment in Newark, it had now reached agreement.

To this end the Corn Exchange operators and Newark and Sherwood District Council have jointly announced they have reached a negotiated position, in which to grant a licence to the premise, which is seen as sustainable to both parties.

The council said agreed operating hours will be in line with neighbouring districts and are partnered with a strong operating plan and certain licensing conditions.

The exact conditions will be published in due course.