Plans to transform one of Newark\u2019s most iconic buildings into an art gallery and caf\u00e9 have been approved.<\/p>\n
Mark Enstone, the owner of Contemporary Art Newark, a community interest company (CIC), is behind the scheme and had submitted a planning application to Newark and Sherwood District Council.<\/p>\n
The council approved his proposals to convert the ground floor of The Ossington on Beastmarket Hill on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
Mark Enstone, director of Contemporary Art Newark CIC at The Ossington. Photo: Iliffe Media<\/p>\n
The internal works will result in a minimalist and discreet interior, preserving the ceilings, but the modern bar at the front and modern balustrade will be dismantled. The modern counter and pizza oven will also be removed.<\/p>\n
The gallery will feature a freestanding display system to allow for exhibition flexibility and to minimise impact on the historic fabric across the three gallery rooms.<\/p>\n
The modern tiled floor is set to be replaced with a matching oak floor.<\/p>\n
Plans to turn The Ossington, on Beast Market Hill, Newark, into an art gallery approved. Photo: NSDC planning portal<\/p>\n
Alongside the gallery space, the plans are to include a caf\u00e9, a shop in the foyer, and a redesigned courtyard garden overlooking the River Trent and Newark Castle.<\/p>\n
The Grade II-listed building first opened its doors in 1882, and has since served as a hotel, tax office, pub, fish restaurant, the pizza chain Zizzi, and Stray\u2019s.<\/p>\n
The plans were approved on the condition that works begin no later than three years from the decision date.<\/p>\n
A separate planning application has been submitted for proposed signs at The Ossington, including individual letters for Contemporary Art Newark, mounted above the archway, set to replace the existing signs.<\/p>\n
The Ossington. Photo: Iliffe Media<\/p>\n
It also includes two boards mounted on the pilaster and one board sign in the garden.<\/p>\n
Members of the planning committee at Newark Town Council voiced their support for this second application at a meeting last night. A decision is to be made at a later date by the district council.<\/p>\n
Newark resident David Fargher showed his support to the art gallery plans. Responding to the plans which have been approved, he said: \u201c’I\u2019m genuinely delighted to see these proposals coming forward for The Ossington, and I fully support the application.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a building that has always been about people, about connection, conversation, and community, and these plans feel like a natural and thoughtful continuation of that legacy.<\/p>\n
\u201cRather than forcing something unfamiliar into the space, 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.\u201d<\/p>\n