Plans for a 'Cavern Club inspired' music venue in Newcastle town

The owner of Newcastle's oldest pub is in discussions to build a brand new live music venue in the town centre.

Owners of Grade II listed The Old Bulls Head on Lad Lane, Joules Brewery have been in talks with Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council to create an indie arts venue within the major redevelopment of York Place, which is directly adjacent to the historic pub.

"We want a venue to bring up and coming talent nationally, and those break-out artists too, like The Cavern Club in Liverpool, that would probably be the most famous one." said Steve Nuttall, Managing Director for Joules Brewery.

"Though, the one that we've really been inspired by is the 100 Club in London, just a really cool indie arts venue."

Investment for The Old Bulls Head too

The plans propose the new venue to be annexed to The Old Bulls Head in the middle of the town centre, with additional "thoughtfully designed" investment earmarked for the historic pub too, in order to integrate the trendy new space into the ancient old inn. Developers say they want to create a single entity without detracting from each of their individual qualities.

Its name? The Engine House.

Joules Brewery say they want the new venue, dubbed The Engine House, to provide a creative, dynamic and energetic space allowing accessible performance for the benefit the town centre community, embracing local and upcoming talent.

The proposed capacity is set for around 200-250 with its interior designed to be unusual, not too polished, not commercial and creative.

Developers are also keen to point out that superior and state-of-the-art technology will be a priority, ensuring great sound and video recording facilities to encourage all our user groups, for ease for established artists and to bring out the very best in aspiring artists.

A nationally recognised music scene

Anna Brakel, Development Director for Joules Brewery said: "We also know that pubs and music go together hand in hand, we really want to be a part of that scene and to help promote new music and local talent.

"We are committed, the council are very keen to see this happen and Capital&Centric are really engaged to deliver an inspirational and game changing project, we fully support the plan and of course we hope our small part of plan will come to fruition."

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