New music venue for York set to get the go ahead

Plans to demolish the old Fibbers building and replace it with a new music venue look set to be given the green light.

Planners are recommending the development is approved after changes were made to scale back the size of the new building.

The project would see a modern building constructed on the Fibbers site on Toft Green, with a music venue on the ground floor and offices above.

The building that housed Fibbers, alongside the Black Orchid Gentlemen’s Club and Stein Bierkeller, was originally built as a coach house in the 18th century.

But it has been much altered in the years since. And since Fibbers closed in January 2020, it has fallen into disrepair.

The new live music venue would have a capacity of 500, and be operated by Jimmy’s, who ran a music bar on Low Petergate before it closed last June.

As well as Grade A offices, the building would include a roof terrace built over a single storey extension to the back.

It is described as being a “part two storey building with further accommodation in a roof storey”.

The site backs on to the Grade I listed Micklegate House, and this setting led some heritage organisations to oppose the plans.

Historic England said: “The proposal is still seeking overdevelopment of the site in a manner that would harm the setting of Micklegate House, one of the finest Georgian residences in York, adjacent non designated heritage assets, and the character of this part of the conservation area.”

However, York Civic Trust has withdrawn its original opposition now that the size of the new building has been scaled back.

Developers North Star have reduced the height by 3.4m and the rear extension by 50%.

The trust now says the proposed building “would also aid in improving the setting of the rear of the Grade I Listed Micklegate House”, thanks to the first floor terrace.

Other objections to the proposal include fears about noise pollution, loss of privacy, and concerns over the design in relation to its historic surroundings.

A planning report says the music venue would operate in a “central noise insulated space”, and has been designed to minimise anti-social behaviour.

In a report for the planning committee which meets next Thursday (8 December), officers recommend approval for the scheme.

They write: “It is considered that the proposals as amended would result in less than substantial harm both to the setting of Micklegate House and to the character and appearance of the Central Historic Core Conservation Area.

“That harm would on balance be outweighed by the public benefit of the removal of the existing building which is in a deteriorating condition and forms a detractor in the conservation area.

“The supply of Grade A serviced offices within the city centre together with the re- provision of a purpose built music venue provides public benefits which should be afforded significant weight.”