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Martin Klute |
‘We won’t turn Mall into noisy nightclub’
Bar boss defends proposals ahead of crunch meeting
CAMPAIGNERS have flooded licensing chiefs with objection letters ahead of a crunch meeting which could see part of the historic Mall antiques arcade turned into a late-night bar.
Under the proposals – branded “outrageous” by residents – the grade-II listed former tram shed would become a “bohemian” restaurant and bar, staying open until 4am every weekend.
Despite assurances from the owner of Guild Bars that the granting of a licence would not tip the area into anti-social anarchy, residents in nearby Camden Passage and Duncan Terrace are not convinced.
Islington Town Hall will be “filled to the rafters” when officials sit down to decide the fate of the former restaurant on Wednesday.
It is feared there will be an increase in late-night noise and yobbish behaviour in what is already seen as a problem area. There are also concerns over the lack of suitable parking places to cater for the 250-person capacity and the questionable wisdom of allowing an “off premises licence”, which residents claim would just turn it into another off-licence.
If the application is successful, staff will be allowed to serve alcohol until 2am in the week and 4am on Saturday and Sunday mornings. It would also feature a dance floor, show films and become an occasional art space.
Anthony Ferguson, the director of Guild Bars, has written to the licensing team in a bid to allay residents’ concerns.
He wrote: “We understand the current situation with the Mall is highly emotive and are sympathetic. We do not intend to add further distress. We wish to reassure local residents that our concept for the space is absolutely not some rowdy all-night club, nor indeed a nightclub at all.”
He goes on to outline his plans, adding: “We wanted to bring some life back to a beautiful and unique space in one of the most iconic buildings in Islington. The venue we are proposing, called Guild, will be a bohemian-style coffee shop, bar, and restaurant displaying and promoting works from local artists, photographers and musicians.
“We will never have live music after midnight and, while it is true that we are seeking a late licence, we do not intend to noise pollute and disturb those trying to enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep.”
The decision will be made in the middle of a public inquiry into the controversial plans for the Mall building. Islington Council called for the inquiry when new landlords London Associated Properties (LAP) unveiled plans to strip the interior of the building, once regarded as the jewel in the crown of Camden Passage’s world-famous antiques trade. In August, the last of the remaining antiques traders from the original 40 were evicted from the building.
Labour councillor Martin Klute said the landlords, who bought the building three years ago, were acting against the wishes of residents.
He said: “Personally, I see the application as further evidence that the new building owners have no respects for residents and the local area. In terms of the actual licence, 4am is ridiculous so close to residential properties.
“And I can’t for the life of me understand why they want to sell alcohol off premises. It sounds like they want to be another off-licence and with all the binge-drinking problems in the area this would not be wise. Even if the owners, as they say they, are responsible, what happens if it doesn’t work out and after a year someone more unscrupulous takes the licence.
“If it gets approval I think it will set a dangerous precedent.” |
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