A bar at the heart of Weston’s LGBTQ+ community is set to swell in size as it knocks through to the vacant offices next door.
Proud Bar’s plans, approved this week, will expand the existing bar at number 20 Boulevard, into number 22 to form a combined premises for the entertainment and cabaret venue and community hub.
As well as a drinking establishment, the community interest company hosts Multicultural Friendship Association meetings and is a centre for reporting hate crimes.
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The plans say: “The main thrust of the works is to knock through a small section of adjoining walls between numbers 22 and 20, opening up the usage of a small bar into a more substantial space better suited to the growing community demands for a LGBTQ+ venue and community hub.
“As a part of these works, accessibility improvements are proposed to ensure the ethos of ‘everyone welcome’ is instilled at the heart of the proposal’s architectural design and usability.”
They add: “We believe that the proposed works to be well-considered, and of a high-quality design that when carried out, will be done so with the full attention to detail that will complement the existing building, wider street scene and restore what is a vacant premises to a prominent and thriving community hub and LGBTQ+ venue with a warm welcome to all.”
There will be substantial work to the ceiling to improve fire safety and dramatically reduce noise, the application says, with another acoustic partition to the rear.
“Such improvements go beyond the building regulations standards, emphasising the neighbourly and conscientious manner in which works are being undertaken and how money is invested to further establish Proud Bar’s place within the community,” it says.
The application was backed by Weston Town Council and a dozen residents.
One supporter said: “This would be a welcome addition to the existing facilities at the Proud Bar, and would widen the scope of activities it would be able to offer.
“As one of the few LGBTQ+ venues in the region, it would help attract visitors from further afield to enjoy Weston-super-Mare and its amenities.”
Another said: “Proud bar is a hugely important resource for the LGBT community of North Somerset. It is a safe and inclusive venue for this group of individuals, and unfortunately the current space available is too small to accommodate potential clientele.”
Approving the application, North Somerset Coumcil officers said: “The proposed change of use from office to bar is considered appropriate within a town centre.
“Furthermore, given that the existing unit is currently vacant, it is considered that the proposal would result in an enhanced appearance of the site within the street scene and would increase footfall and activity into the evening thereby creating a more vibrant and high quality town centre.”
