A new art gallery would be a “great use” of Newark’s iconic Ossington, councillors have said as they show their support for the scheme.
New life could be breathed into one of the town’s most historic buildings which has sat vacant since 2025, with plans submitted to transform the space into a contemporary art gallery and café.
Contemporary Art Newark, a community interest company, has applied to Newark and Sherwood District Council to make the changes, which would include modern additions of a bar, counter and pizza oven removed, alterations to internal walls, the original ceiling preserved, and a freestanding display system installed to create flexible exhibition space.
Mark Enstone, director of Contemporary Art Newark CIC at The Ossington. Photo: Iliffe Media
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The plans were branded “fantastic” when they came before Newark Town Council’s planning committee on Wednesday last week.
Mathew Skinner said: “I fully support this, it is fantastic.
The Ossington, Newark. Photo: Iliffe Media
“It is a great use of the building, and a great location.”
Since it opened in 1882, The Ossington has served as a hotel, tax office, pub, Mr Haddock fish restaurant and chain pizza restaurant Zizzi — and was most recently occupied by Stray’s café, which left the premises in 2025.
There are hopes that the new use would see it become a valued community space — with showcases of nationally recognised artists, workshops, events, and a redesigned courtyard garden for visitors to enjoy.
Contemporary Art Newark director Mark Enstone said: “It’s an art gallery. It’s also about community — involvement, workshops, classes, talks, connection.
Mark Enstone, director of Contemporary Art Newark CIC at The Ossington. Photo: Iliffe Media
“It’s about bringing cultural vitality, building civic pride, building the visitor economy and helping our town thrive.”
The café aspect of the scheme would be to the rear of the building, where modern tiles would be replaced with oak flooring to match the rest of the venue, and seating would overlook the garden and River Trent.
A popular superstition linked to the building is that it was originally a ‘Coffee Palace’ founded by Lady Ossington as a place to meet without the temptation of alcohol — and that if it is served on the premises the tee-totaller’s ghost protests.
“I would encourage them not to sell alcohol,” Mr Skinner added, half in jest.
“I want to see the business flourish.”
Dawn Campbell commented on the scheme “predominantly replacing modern with traditional”, and noted a positive public comment which stated: “This proposal works with the building’s character, breathing life back into it in a way that respects its past while giving it a meaningful future.”
The committee unanimously lodged no objection to the plans.
A final decision on the application will be made by the district council at a later date.