A vacant building in Newark could be brought back into use as an art school.
The former café in Market Place, which is next to Toni and Guy, has been vacant since 2022.
Before this time it had been inhabited by Lily’s Café and Tea Rooms, while a vacant apartment sits on the floors above.
Newark and Sherwood District Council, which is in the process of regenerating the market place, has tabled plans to bring it back to life as an art school.
The authority says: “This proposal would contribute to the range of town centre uses in this location by providing a varied learning and commercial environment in the area, which could also encourage further foot traffic to the shop and revive a vacant shop.
“In addition, it is considered that the proposal would enhance an existing retail unit in the centre, thereby consolidating the composition of the town centre through an appropriate use and optimising the vitality and viability of the town centre.”
The site is located within what the council says is a highly sensitive historical location due to the setting of a number of other high quality listed buildings, including the Grade I Newark Town Hall and St Mary Magdalene Church.
However, it says no alterations will be made to the building on the outside.
Bill Davidson, of Newark Business Club Action Group, welcomed the plans and said: “We consider it would enhance the prospects and profitability of the associated undertaking to the benefit of Newark’s business environment, visitors and residents.”
Just over £3.6 million is being spent regenerating the market place, including planting trees and putting in benches, as well as making the area more accessible through the flattening of some cobbled areas.
This will make it wheelchair and pram friendly, the council says, while consolidating market stalls to make the most of the space for other events and alfresco dining opportunities.
The authority is hoping to begin work in January 2027, with completion expected 11 to 12 months later.
Plans for the art school are due to be considered at a planning committee meeting on Thursday (July 2).
By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter