A Victorian building tucked away in the Ouseburn has been turned into Newcastle's newest music venue which is out to fill a niche in the city.
The Grove has been created by Charlie Dancer and Cole Gilroy, who have been involved with the local music scene for years and they have now transformed what was a former stable block into a music hub with bar, an outdoor courtyard and a terrace with views of the city. And, says Charlie, "it's been absolute graft".
The result of all that hard work, set to be unveiled on March 10, promises to boost the local entertainment scene with its community platform for live music as well as the likes of DJ takeovers, all-day events and other additions such as quizzes, games nights and pop-up food vendors. Musicians Charlie and Cole feel they are connecting with local history too in their choice of venue.
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The building at 1 St Michael’s Road, near the Free Trade Inn, features old steel, timber and traditional brick which feels "intrinsically northern" and complements their sense of local pride. They have long wanted to open their own venue.
Charlie said of the Ouseburn location: “We’re both incredibly passionate about the city and saw an opportunity to add something to a growing cultural sector. We’ve both been heavily involved in the North East’s musical fabric for a number of years as musicians, as gig-goers and as professionals, from putting on gigs in tiny rooms to organising festivals.
"Personally, I started out putting gigs on when I was 18, not knowing what I was doing but ultimately falling in love with events and seeing people having a good time." Cole added: "I’ve always admired Charlie's work within the North East with Generator and beyond.
"It was a no brainer when we both shared a similar vision to bring the idea behind The Grove to fruition." In seeking out a location, they were inspired by venues such asThe Boiler Shop in Newcastle and By The River in Gateshead.
The building they found had housed horses during the 1950s but its architectural features suggest it dates back to the Victorian era, although its exact age is unknown. Charlie said: “When we first walked into the building, we could both immediately see its potential to be an amazing music venue, bar and all-round cool spot.
“The original architecture of the building is rather beautiful with old steel, timber and engraved brick everywhere. The very nature of the building feels very special - it feels intrinsically northern and screams of old industry and the graft of those before us.”
Major structural work was needed to restore the building and The Grove now comprises three buildings in total which join to form a horse-shoe shape around an enclosed courtyard. A roof terrace has been built on the first floor.
Charlie says. “We dug out drains; fitted new waterways to water mains; put in three new staircases; used around 20,000 metres of timber, 500 sheets of plasterboard and filled around 65 skips. It’s been an absolute graft.
“We’ve also spent a lot of time at our neighbours - The Free Trade after work, so thanks to them for keeping us sane over this period!” There is set to be plenty to celebrate when The Grove opens in March and its launch month will feature a mixture of live gigs and events nights to give people an idea of its range of possibilities.
Each weekend will also see a different food vendor set up shop, adding to the atmosphere. Besides having the main 400-people capactity music space - which, size-wise, aims to occupy the "middle ground" between venues such as The Cluny and The Boiler Shop - the intention is to meet other needs of the community, by offering a corporate and events space for the likes of community days, workshops, exhibitions, conferences and even wedding receptions.
Charlie said: “We want to host people’s memorable moments, from first dates to first dances; to winning a quiz or winging it on a craft night. Cole added: "The Grove has the capabilities to be a number of different things for different people.
"Yes, we’re a music venue but we’re also an event space. We want to be a space for anyone looking to push their own thing - whether that’s running a weekly mental health coffee morning or a monthly candle-making event or one-off immersive art exhibitions.”
“We feel the city lacks what we have to offer - not just from the layout of the building but down to the kind of place we want it to be. We’re so proud of what we’re building here and we can’t wait for people to see what’s behind the doors!"
The Grove, which is just off Albion Row and opposite Two By Two Brewery Tap Room, has on-site parking as well as cycling racks and is close to bus stops on Dalton Street and Walker Road and also near Byker Metro station. For more information about the venue keep an eye out here.
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