New bar and live music venue plans for empty Bangor shopping unit

Cyngor Gwynedd will consider an application to convert the former store at the Menai Centre shopping area on Bangor High Street.

The H&M store closed in 2020, and the unit has been empty since then.

Planning documents say the proposal could be “great for the town” and help create jobs.

The plans, submitted by Jamie Roberts, of City Sports & Cocktail Bar Ltd, state the new proposal would include a “a bar and live music venue with food made and consumed on the premises”.

It is proposed that the ground floor will be the “main trading area”, with “the first floor predominately opened during the main trading nights e.g. Friday and Saturday, but also available for private bookings”.

Location of new bar and live music venue In Bangor (Cyngor Gwynedd Planning Documents)

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The plans include a party booth, raised stage, retail area, bar and toilets, and the upper floor plans show a dance floor, DJ booth, retail space, bar and bottle room, cocktail bar, karaoke/private hire room, security, cold room and kitchen.

Mathew Green, speaking on behalf of the Menai Centre, said since Bearmont Capital purchased the centre two years ago “we have been continually frustrated by the inability to let [the unit] for retail use”.

He added: “We have carried out viewings and discussions, but there just isn’t any retail demand for a unit of that size, in that location, in the town.

“Therefore the use and operator would be great for the town, scheme and for employment.”

The plans also noted the venue would be “subject” to the recommended mitigation measures and mechanical service equipment to limit noise.

A document in the plans stated: “We conclude that the proposed development would not result in any unacceptable harm to residential amenity by reason of noise disturbance.”