Shropshire Star

Former bank in Newport could get new lease of life as cafe bar

A former bank in Newport could get a new lease of life as a cafe bar, under new plans.

Published
The former NatWest bank in Newport

The old NatWest bank in the High Street has been earmarked for the conversion.

A planning application has been submitted to Telford & Wrekin Council by Titanic Brewery Ltd.

The company says it has been searching for the right building and location in the Newport area for a long time and found the availability of the right building with character and positioning very difficult to find.

The front of the building would be redecorated but internally the footprint of the former bank will remain unchanged, with the exception of introducing a new part mezzanine floor to the existing double height entrance area.

The venue is proposed to open from 8am, with alcohol licensing proposed from 11am subject to a licensing application.

Works to the interior will include structural openings, new counters, finishes and fittings.

New toilets would also be installed on the ground floor.

The company says the plans will also create new full and part-time permanent jobs.

A report, lodged with the planning application, says: "With the loss of so many community pubs in the area the new Titanic Bar Café will provide a new hub for locals and visitors.

"As such, the proposed operation is considered to be compatible with the previous and surrounding uses and currently sits and complements the surrounding business."

Founded in 1985, Titanic Brewery has been brewing beer in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent for more than 30 years.

The Staffordshire brewery is run by local brothers, Keith and Dave Bott.

Titanic now brews more than three million pints of beer per year with the beer travelling throughout the UK and further.

Across its head office and eight Titanic pubs, the firm employs more than 150 people.

A decision on the proposals will be made in the upcoming months.