An alliance of more than 100 Newcastle bars and pubs has launched a legal bid to overturn the five-year extension granted to the Stack Fanzone outside St James’ Park.
00:00And the lines of more than 100 Newcastle bars and pubs have launched a legal bid to overturn the five-year extension granted to the stack van zone outside St James' Park.
00:10The City Centre Renew, which opened in 2024 and can host up to 2,000 people, was given the green light by Newcastle City Council earlier this summer to continue operating until 2031.
00:21But local businesses under the banner of the newly formed NE1 Hospitality Group are calling that decision unlawful and have now applied for a judicial review.
00:31They argue the fan zone is pulling footfall away from long-standing venues across the city, not just on match days but throughout the week at a time when the hospitality industry is already under intense pressure.
00:43Several well-known venues including Horticulture, the Earl of Pitch Street and Leila Lily's has closed this year alone.
00:49This isn't about opposing progress, said a group of spokesperson.
00:55It's about protecting the jobs, businesses and culture that have made Newcastle's nightlife world-renowned.
01:00Concerns have also been raised about how the planning decision was made by council officers rather than elected councillors.
01:08Prompting calls for more transparency and accountability, prominent figures in the city's nightlife including Barry Laddhar of the Laddhar Group and Ollie Valkard of Valkard Group
01:18say they've seen noticeable drops in trades since the stack opened.
01:23They stress they want a fair solution, not confrontation.
01:27In response, Newcastle City Council said it recognises the concerns but cannot regulate competition
01:32and that its planning decisions must be made in line with legal frameworks.
01:37The legal process is now underway with both sides preparing for what could be a landmark case for the city's hospitality sector.
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