Middlesbrough Council has granted permission for a new “drinking establishment”, which will be called Sanctuary, to open in Newport.

Russell Towers, who runs neighbouring Chapel, confirmed that the new bar is due to open to the public this November, saying “there’s nowhere else doing what we’re doing”.

Mr Towers runs the Chapel pub in Whitehouse Street, alongside his wife and father. Planning permission was granted in January 2021 to convert the old Methodist church and the pub opened in September 2021.

The planning statement for the new establishment, presented by Sarah Towers, Russell Towers and Ian Towers, outlines that “Sanctuary will be a themed Craft Beer and Sports Bar operating under the management of Chapel 1890 Ltd”.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Russell Towers said: “Obviously we’ve got next door which is Chapel, which we’ve now ran for three years and we do craft beers and cask beers – bit different from the norm and trying to do something for Newport community really.”

He says that in three years, they have had zero noise complaints. “We run Chapel out of the old Methodist church. We’ve got a hall out the back that we do community events.”

He commented that at the moment, Chapel is only open from Wednesday to Sunday but Sanctuary could be open on Mondays and Tuesdays when there are Middlesbrough FC games on. He explained he has already got a TV and a license to show Sky Sports.

Mr Towers explains he is looking forward to serving decent people at Sanctuary, emphasising Chapel has been in the Good Beer Guide for three years running, “which is unheard of for a new pub”.

Why the new bar? “I just want somewhere, like a safe space to watch sports and drink decent, unusual beers.” He thinks it will be a bit of a “haven away from your normal sports bars”.

He said Newport gets forgotten about “because of the A66” and that the locals had been asking him about “when are you getting the sport in, when are you getting a pool table Russ”, hence Sanctuary was a logical next step.

The planning statement explains that “Sanctuary will occupy the unit on the western side of the old community Hall. 

"The building does have access internally connecting the whole building and through to Chapel, however this area can also be locked off and Sanctuary will be able to operate independently.”

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Planning considerations listed in the Towers’ statement clarifies that there would not be any structural changes to the building.

There would be redecoration and “construction of a bar area and installation of fixed seating to one side”.

The majority of furnishings are due to be recycled to minimise the environmental impact. 

The reason for approval states that “the drinking establishment use will not prejudice the character and function of the area and, although fails the sequential approach, is not considered harmful to Middlesbrough Town Centre or any other recognised local centres.”