Work to demolish and rebuild sinking bar approved

Brass Monkey has been shut for just over a year

Work to demolish and rebuild a city centre bar which closed as it was sinking into the ground will soon begin.

Brass Monkey in High Pavement, Nottingham, has been shut since November 2023 due to structural problems.

Staff noticed cracks started to appear in the walls adjacent to the car park next door.

In documents, city council planners gave permission for its demolition and rebuild along with a change of use for the upstairs flat into a larger space for the business.

Liam O'Brien, one of the owners of Brass Monkey, which has occupied the building for 25 years, said: "I'm glad that we've made some progress.

"We just look forward to getting the building back brand new with no issues and get back to doing what we do best."

Mr O'Brien also owns Tilt in Pelham Street and could move staff over so they could keep their jobs.

Council planners approved the works earlier this month

"We have been in a holding pattern with the council and the insurance companies... It's just been a lot of waiting," he said.

Mr O'Brien said a lot a of Nottingham was built on sandstone and the building the bar operates from was constructed in the 1800s.

He added a cellar was dug out below the foundations after the building went up.

"You skip forward 100 years or so with all the rain we've had, it's washed away the foundations which has caused subsidence.

"As one section sinks it warps and bends internally... it's like a horror show fairground ride."

Mr O'Brien added that demolition work is due to begin in the next few weeks and the full rebuild would take more than 12 months to complete.