A vacant commercial unit in Nottingham could become a new basement bar featuring live music and a DJ.
Thurland Hospitality Ltd has tabled its plans to transform the basement of the property at 11 to 13 Thurland Street.
UCKG, a Brazilian Christian denomination church that formed in 1977 and came to the UK in 1995, was based on the upper floors until it moved to a new premises off Lower Parliament Street in 2022.
There had been plans for student accommodation on the first and second floors of the building, but the graffiti-covered space is still advertised as “to let”.
The property is surrounded by prime city centre venues such as the NQ64 gaming arcade bar, Mojo, and the Wonder Pho Vietnamese restaurant.
Pedro Felix, of The Meadows, said it was a “good location” for a bar.
“Lots of people walk around here,” he said.
“I used to come to the church here on the upper floor. It is a good idea because of how many clubs there are here.”
Hayley, 35, also agreed it was a good location.
However, she added: “I think the city needs more family stuff. We’ve turned into a student-centric city, while they do bring in a lot of money, most of them leave after they are done here.
“If you want people to stay here and thrive, you need more things that families can do.”
Cara, of Bestwood, added: “I think it’s a good spot. I would prefer to see the city used than left abandoned.”
Planning documents say the proposal seeks to bring an existing basement commercial unit back into active use “by creating a late-night bar with associated customer seating, bar facilities, DJ/stage area, cloakroom, storage, office accommodation and improved toilet facilities and other associated improvements.”
No significant external alterations to the building are proposed.
A planning statement says: “Pre-application advice was sought from Nottingham City Council. The advice confirmed that a full planning application would be required and indicated that, in principle, the proposed use would be acceptable given the site’s location within Nottingham City Centre.
“The pre-application response also advised that consideration should be given to any residential accommodation above the premises. We can confirm that there is no residential accommodation above the application site, and therefore the proposal is not expected to give rise to impacts on residential amenity from occupants directly above the premises.
“The proposal will make productive use of a vacant commercial basement within the city centre, contributing to the vitality and evening economy while making use of an existing building without significant external alteration.”
By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter