Regal London has received planning permission for the redevelopment of the site of the Joiners Arms gay bar in Hackney after planners had demanded the provision of a new LGBT venue.
Regal London received unanimous consent from planners last night after it included first right of a refusal on the ground-floor bar component to an LGBT operator, alongside other fit-out benefits.
Planning was submitted in February 2017 for the scheme, which includes 136,000 sq ft of new space, nine flats and a new bar.
A decision was due in August, but was deferred after the application attracted publicity because Tower Hamlets planners demanded the inclusion new LGBT bar.
Tower Hamlets council was reported to have told Regal it would receive planning only if it includes a pub that “will remain a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender-focused venue for a minimum of 12 years”.
Under the amended plans from Regal, which came with a letter of recommendation from GLA night czar Amy Lamé, the size of the proposed bar will be increased by 22% to 3,760 sq ft.
First right of refusal will then be offered to a LGBT+ operator, which will be offered a 12-month rent free period, a £130,000 contribution to fit-out cost and a 25-year lease term.
Paul Eden, co-founder of Regal London, said: “During this process we’ve consulted extensively with the council, local community and Friends of the Joiners Arms.
“It was a supportive and, I hope, rewarding process for all involved, showing how developers and stakeholders can rally together to bring forward outcomes that work for everyone.”
The requirement was in reaction to the high rate of closure of London LGBT venues, and was thought to be one of the first instances of the sexual orientation of a venue being included in planning documents.
According to research by the UCL Urban Laboratory, London has lost 58% of its LGBT venues. The Joiner’s Arms closed in 2015, despite being one of the most well-known east London venues.
Tower Hamlet’s mayor John Biggs said at the time: “Tower Hamlets council is committed to celebrating our great diversity, which includes serving the needs of our LGBTQ+ community. I am delighted that as a council we are leading the way in using innovative ways to protect spaces such as the Joiners Arms site.”
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