A disused fire station in Newcastle city centre is set for a new lease of life as the luxurious Hotel Gotham, if a dispute with police and council bosses can be resolved.
Plans were approved in 2021 for an £11.5m renovation of the empty Pilgrim Street station, which has not been used since 2005, that would transform it into a five-star venue. And it has now emerged that it is set to be known as Hotel Gotham, a sister hotel to an opulent Manchester location based a grand former bank building that was named the best luxury city centre hotel in all of northern Europe in 2022 - with rooms costing up to £1,000-a-night.
The proposed 60-room hotel, which is not linked to the popular Gotham Town bar in Neville Street that closed in 2019, is part of a major overhaul of the entire Pilgrim Street area that will also see a massive HMRC office complex built. But the prospective tenants for the luxury venue, which would have a bar and restaurant open to non-guests, must first secure a licence from Newcastle City Council – and face opposition ahead of a hearing next week.
Read More: New plans unveiled for hundreds more Newcastle student flats near St James' Park
The local authority, Northumbria Police, and two city centre councillors have all objected to Hotel Gotham’s plans, with concern over its attempt to obtain a licence for late night refreshment that runs until 5am. In documents published before a licensing hearing for the venue next Tuesday, police claim the hotel could have a “negative impact” on crime and disorder in Newcastle.
Monument ward councillor Teresa Cairns adds that selling hot food and drink until 5am “could contribute to a threat to public safety as well as a public nuisance”, while Labour colleague Jane Byrne claimed that the hotel’s bosses did “not show a sufficient understanding of the need to prevent crime and disorder and protect public safety”.
The hotel’s licence application, which also includes the right to sell alcohol from an outdoor terrace until 2am every day, states: “Hotel Gotham will be a five star, 60 room hotel catering for the needs of those looking to have fun and luxury in the heart of the city. Permission has been granted for a range of rooms including luxury suites for this proposed hotel and it will add a great venue for Newcastle for many years to come.
“This project follows on from its sister hotel in Manchester which opened six years ago. The hotel will also include a restaurant and bar open to both hotel guests and non-residents seven days a week, as well as a private bar for members, VIPs, and hotel guests. A premises licence is required prior to the signing of the lease, work can then begin and transform this building into a luxury venue for the city.”
In his submissions ahead of Tuesday’s meeting, council licensing chief Jonathan Bryce said there had been “constructive dialogue” with Hotel Gotham but that the 5am request was “excessive”.
The regeneration of the site has been led by Taras Properties, the development vehicle of the billionaire Reuben brothers. Their plans to breathe new life into the neglected Pilgrim Street have also included the building of the new Bank House office block and the creation of the massive Pilgrim’s Quarter development due to be completed by 2027.
Read More:
- Newcastle Clean Air Zone: What you need to know about new pollution tolls before January 30
- North East devolution deal: What comes next for £4bn move to create new regional mayor
- 'You deserve better' - Metro boss pledges better 2023 for passengers after travel nightmares
- 'Not a good deal' – Tensions as council leader claims North East 'forced' into £4.2bn devolution package
- Ex-Tory candidate rules out bid to become North East mayor under new £4bn devolution deal
