Bar plan backed for former bookies site

Friki Tiki will open at the former William Hill shop on Newcastle's Nelson Street

Plans to turn a former betting shop into a late night bar have been given the go-ahead.

Friki Tiki has been granted planning permission by Newcastle City Council and will open at 29 Nelson Street, outside Grainger Market.

The unit was previously home to a branch of William Hill but has stood empty since the bookmaker left more than 12 months ago.

Once converted, the bar will have a stage, serve lunch and seat 50 people.

The bar will open on the ground floor and will share kitchen facilities with its upstairs neighbour.

'New social hub'

In the planning application, GW Architectural said: "The neighbouring bar (No 28) is owned by the same applicant and they intend to serve lunches which have been prepared in the kitchen upstairs."

GW Architectural said the development would "encourage engagement and life on the site by creating a new business and social hub".

It added that the bar would bring increase footfall and business to the area.

The new bar will retain the original features of the property but will its external wood will be painted "ruby red".

Although the unit was most recently used as a betting shop, it had been a pub until 2010.

Once open, the bar will create 15 jobs - six full-time roles and nine part-time positions.

It will open from midday to 03:00, Monday to Sunday.