A PUB in Newcastle closed by an accidental fire in January is to be demolished and rebuilt.
The Anchor Bar on Bryansford Road has been closed since a blaze tore through the premises in the early hours of January 14.
The Anchor Bar Limited has now submitted a planning application to demolish the existing fire damaged premises at 9-11 Bryansford Road and build a new mixed use development.
Alongside a new pub, the proposal would also see five new apartments built on the site in the popular Co Down seaside resort town.
The business is owned by Patrick Hutley, co-founder of the Newry-based haulage group Motis.
Over the past 20 years, Motis has grown into a significant pan-European operation, employing more than 80 people.
The bar itself has been managed by landlord and company director Rob Manley.
In a document submitted to Newry, Mourne and Down council, Belfast architects Bradley McClure said they have been instructed to design a new replacement bar and entertainment complex to both preserve the historic success of the Anchor Bar and respond to “the needs of modern social culture”.
Alongside pictures showing the current start of the premises, the report states that the blaze and resulting water damage has left the building “structurally unsound”.
“It’s important that the proposals relate to the physical context of the site while providing an environment that allows the Anchor Bar to continue its place in the community as a welcoming social and entertainment facility and one which enhances what Newcastle town centre has to offer local people and visitors alike,” states the report.
