Plans to demolish and rebuild Newcastle’s Anchor bar

A Newcastle pub gutted by an fire in January looks set to be demolished and rebuilt after a planning application for a new mixed use development was lodged.

Members of Newry, Mourne and Down Council will now consider pans to rebuild The Anchor Bar on Bryansford Road along with five new apartments built on the same.

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 state 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.

The business is owned by Patrick Hutley, co-founder of the Newry-based haulage group Motis but is managed by landlord and company director Rob Manley.