Plans have been submitted to transform the former Fibbers site in York into a new live music venue and offices.
The 500-capacity venue will be operated by Jimmy’s, following the success the company has had with the opening of the Jimmy’s Restaurant & Bar on Low Petergate in York.
The company was founded by George and Jimmy Craig, of the band One Night Only and builds on their other successful music venues in Liverpool and Manchester.
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If given the go-ahead by council planners, the proposals will see the Fibbers building, now fallen into dilapidation, replaced by the new music venue and Grade A offices above.
Previous plans for the site, by owners Toft Green Developments, was for 100% office space.
The new plans represent a significant reduction in the scale of the replacement building, as well as refining the roofline and design.
George Craig from Jimmy’s said: “The opportunity to reestablish such a significant live music presence in our home city is a dream realised for us.
“The venue puts York back on the map in terms of the UK touring circuit which will offer first-class facilities for established bands and will support emerging talent which is core to our ethos.”
Regenerating the site
A spokesperson for North Star, who are working alongside the owners, added: “Creating a new music venue in York will be great for the cultural scene in the City and we are thrilled to be able to partner with such a great company as Jimmy’s.
“It will be a fresh concept and will help the city attract top bands and musicians in a purpose built and modern premises, building on the legacy of live music on this site from Fibbers.
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“We are looking forward to regenerating this vacant site and bringing new life to the area. We have listened to feedback from a wide range of people, and these plans are a direct result of this dialogue.”
The revised plans for the site, designed by York-based architects Vincent & Brown, include the reduction in height by one storey on the Toft Green elevation, as well as improvements to the roofline and design.
Previously, North Star had considered creating a new music venue in a redeveloped ‘Roman Quarter’ on Rougier Street. Proposals to build a Roman museum, flats and were on the street were rejected by planners last February and the developers are yet to come back with new plans.
Last July, squatters moved in to the empty Fibbers building and declared their intention to revive it as a community arts space.
They moved out in September after the owners obtained a repossession order, saying it wasn’t safe for holding any more events.